Professional women’s tackle and flag football are experiencing unprecedented growth, with clear paths to professionalism emerging. Yet, some pioneers, like incoming rookie defensive back Grace Wiley, have chosen to forge their own route to the gridiron.
Grace’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams, a story that inspires not only her teammates but also women and girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Grace’s football journey began at Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where she made history as the only girl on the football team. Her grit and work ethic quickly earned her the respect of coaches and teammates alike, proving that passion for the game transcends gender.
After high school, Grace balanced her academic ambitions with her football aspirations. She graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, showcasing her commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Armed with her education and an unrelenting drive, Grace set her sights on playing for the four-time WNFC champions, the Texas Elite Spartans.
Rather than waiting for a clear path to appear, she created her own. Grace worked a full-time job to save money, trained tirelessly, and ultimately relocated alone to Dallas, Texas, to attend the Spartans' 2024 Rookie Pro Tryout Day. Her hard work paid off. Grace stood out among a competitive pool of talent and officially joined the Spartans roster.
A Self-Funded Dream
Now living and working full-time in Dallas, Grace is fully committed to her gridiron dreams. Like many players in women’s football, she self-funds her journey, living out the sacrifice and dedication it takes to compete at the highest level. The Spartans, like many WNFC teams, rely on local private and corporate sponsorships to sustain the organization and fuel the dream of a fully professional women’s football team.
Grace’s goal is singular: to learn from her coaches, grind alongside her teammates, and help the Spartans reclaim their championship throne. Her journey is a testament to the power of persistence and belief, inspiring young women everywhere to chase their dreams fearlessly.
Building the Pipeline for Women in Football
While Grace’s path is uniquely her own, the opportunities for women in football are expanding. In women's football, the road to professionalism is becoming clearer. With 22 colleges now offering women’s flag football as a varsity sport and initiatives from the NFL, IFAF, and USA Football pushing for flag football’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games, more young women are finding a place in the sport.
On the tackle side, the U.S. Women’s National Tackle Team remains undefeated and serves as a motivator for players like Grace, who aspire to represent their country on the global stage.
Grace Wiley’s story is one of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. She exemplifies the spirit of the Texas Elite Spartans and the growing momentum behind the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC). As more women like Grace step onto the field, they’re writing history and proving that football dreams, whether in tackle or flag are there for the taking.
The Spartans invite fans and businesses to join this movement by supporting Grace and her teammates. Sponsorships not only help players like Grace but also drive the Spartans closer to full professionalism, creating a brighter future for women's sports in and around the DFW metroplex.
Follow Grace’s journey and the Texas Elite Spartans this season as they chase another championship and inspire the next wave of women and girls in football.
Interested in sponsoring Grace and the Texas Elite Spartans? Contact us today and be part of this game changing journey.