St. Louis Slam women share passion for football

The remainder of the home slate — against the Nebraska Stampede on May 6, against the Kansas City Titans on May 13, and against the Indy Crash on May 20 — will be played at St. Mary’s High School.

“We know there’s a target on our backs, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Slam quarterback Jaime Gaal, an Ursuline product who played basketball at Webster University.

“When you’re the top dog, everybody wants to knock you off,” head coach Quincy Davis added. “In 2010, no matter what we saw on film, the teams we played always seemed to bring their best for our game.

“Most of our key players are back and we’ve added another good group of rookies. If we play the way we’re capable and limit mistakes, there’s no doubt in my mind we can win again.”

In August, the Slam defeated the Tampa Bay Inferno 38-7 in the WFA title game in Pittsburgh.

A ROCKY START

Beginning her 15th — and final — season with the Slam, Myreta Davis remembers the team’s first season in 2003 vividly.

“That first year, there was so much excitement,” said the defensive tackle and guard out of Northwest High-House Springs. “But on the field, we were awful. We were brand-new to the sport and our coaches were just as inexperienced. We had an all-women’s staff that did the best it could. We’re all about women being empowered through sports on this team, but honestly, we needed guidance from somebody who’d done it before.

“From there, the football IQ around here has improved immensely. Our coaches do a great job of teaching and preparing us and that’s made a huge difference.”

Quincy Davis, a Ladue High grad who played four years at Washington University and also coached at Ladue, took over as Slam head coach in 2008.

“It’s different, coaching women, but in a lot of ways I enjoy it more,” he said. “With the guys, there’s a lot more ego because they think they know everything there is to know about the game. But with the women, they’re more willing to listen and learn.

“I’m really proud to be part of the tradition we’ve built here.”

COMMITMENT, DEDICATION

With a 40-woman roster featuring players from all over the region, ranging from age 18 through 49, the Slam is led by athletes who starred in other sports through high school and college and who still had a desire to compete at a high level.

“Growing up in sports, being part of a team is huge. After college, you miss that,” said running back Taylor Hay, who played soccer at Edwardsville High and Missouri Baptist. “My first year, I was the kicker. But I got bored, standing around in 100-degree heat in all those pads, so I started learning the plays and became a running back.

“This is an incredible stress release; where else can you leave a tough day at work and go out and hit people without getting in trouble?”

When first approached, linebacker Raven Williams, a product of Career Academy and Lindenwood University, wanted nothing to do with the Slam. But eventually she was won over.

“When you tell somebody you play tackle football, it immediately leads to five or six more questions before they actually believe you,” she said. “Because I ran track, they first tried me at running back. But then, when they saw I wasn’t afraid to hit, I moved to defense.

“Now, I can’t imagine my life without Slam football.”

The Slam practices two nights a week and also has weekly film sessions. Players pay $875 to play and also must buy their own equipment (around $500 for first-year players). In addition, they pay all their expenses during road trips.

“We have a great group of fans and we appreciate their support in coming to see us play,” linebacker and team captain Tiffany Pugh said. “We also have a number of fundraisers — like trivia nights and selling TJ’s pizzas — to try to cut down on the out-of-pocket costs. And some players find sponsors to help with the costs. But it’s something we love to do — it’s our passion — and it really does become a huge part of your life.

“When I first started, my mom couldn’t understand why, but now she’s my biggest fan, re-posting photos and bragging on me to her friends.”

The Slam’s dedication, commitment and sacrifice paid off last season with the championship.

“Taylor and I are the last remaining players from our rookie group in 2010, the year after the first title,” Pugh said. “We were there to see them get their rings and to hear all this talk about the title. So last year, to finally see all the hard work and sacrifice pay off with another championship, it really was special.”

But this isn’t just about football. For the women involved, the Slam has become a second family.

“These ladies are truly my sisters, on and off the field,” Myreta Davis said. “They’ve helped me through some tough times — I lost my dad, lost my brother, went through a job change — and I was able to lean on them for support. We’re all going through similar struggles trying to deal with work and family and life in general, so to have each other, friends who truly understand, it really makes things a whole lot easier.

“After 15 years, my body’s telling me that it’s time to go, but I’ll always be a part of this team. And before I go, I’d really like to get a third ring.”