Adventure Out Women caught up with Lisa SPRINGS, a former professional football player and coach for the Sacramento Sirens (she was a cornerback) who went on to serve as security director for the team. She currently is a security representative for the National Basketball Association, including the women's league. She acts as a liaison between the NBA, the Arena Security and local law enforcement, specifically providing services for both the Sacramento Kings and Monarchs. SPRINGS is a Washington, D.C. native who grew up tossing around the pigskin with her seven brothers. She now lives in Elk Grove with her 13-year-old son.

AOW: Is America ready for women football players?

SPRINGS: I hope so. The sport has been here for many years. I posed this question to my son and he said, "Yes." He also added that one of his assistant football coaches told him that women's football is a joke. So, if you ask a "frustrated, I played in the NFL for four months" assistant boys football coach, the answer would be no. If you asked a mature 13 year old who has been taught acceptance and tolerance, then the answer is yes.

AOW: What do people say when you tell them you played football?

SPRINGS: I have received varied responses. My current NBA boss (Kelley Hard wick) and my current Police Chief (Lou Petranavie) think it's admirable. When they introduce me to someone they mention that I played with the three-time world champion Sirens. Men, with the exception of a local newspaper sports editor, are supportive, enthusiastic and accepting.

AOW: How did you stack up against your seven brothers as a football player?

SPRINGS: My oldest brother, Renaldo, always made sure I was on his team to run pass routes he designed. Once, another brother, Rico, was playing on an opposing team because we were playing the girls against the boys. Of course, the girls won because Rico knocked himself out cold while running and looking backwards. He ran into a parked truck. So we won by default. It was a classic made for TV blooper. I still tease him today.

AOW: What went on in your mind when you laid a tackle on an opponent?

SPRINGS: Relief that I made the tackle. I was more focused on getting back to the huddle to hear the next defensive play. We were a very classy and disciplined team. We did not celebrate until after we won the game.

AOW: After years of playing a contact sport, does your body still have aches and pains?

SPRINGS: I still have minor pains, but nothing like the women who played offense or played on the line. When I was younger I had arthritis and the doctor told me I would benefit from exercising the joints. That's how I began playing sports. I still hear stories of pain from my former teammates. My Kaiser Nurse Practitioner, Shelley Woodhead, gave excellent care and treatment for my injuries.

AOW: What football players did you admire when growing up?

SPRINGS: None. The Washington Redskins have always been my favorite team. Playing basketball and watching Sugar Ray Leonard train for the 1976 Olympics and his pro fights was my sports interest in high school. I spent endless hours at the gym.

AOW: Are you an armchair quarterback on Sundays?

SPRINGS: Due to the recent championship run by the Monarchs and the impending American Basketball Association season, I do not have the luxury of watching football on a regular basis. When I do watch, I only watch the cornerback and safety positions.

AOW: What is your best football moment as a player?

SPRINGS: I have several: Meditating in the locker room with the defensive unit and listening to Phil Collins' "In The Air" was huge before we went out to play and win our first world football championship. Receiving a community service award from the Sirens was cool. Getting two interceptions in a game against an Oakland organization with which I had previous contract issues was satisfying.

AOW: How did you transition from player to coach to security director in football?

SPRINGS: I was forced into retirement due to an injury to my Achilles. I was an assistant defensive coach and security director one year and then just directed the security department for the last two years

AOW: As a security representative do you deal with crazy stalkers?

SPRINGS: As a security director with the Sirens, I did not have any stalkers. As a security representative with the NBA and WNBA, no stalkers. Stalkers are fans who have zeroed in on an athlete and have refused to stop trying to contact the athlete even after they have been asked to stop. Law enforcement is usually involved with these types of cases. Enthusiastic fans are the norm. Usually, they are just very excited about an athlete and will respect the athletes' privacy when asked to back off. Stalkers, no, excited fans, yes.

AOW: Have you meant the Maloof Brothers and are they as dashing in person as they are on TV and in print?

SPRINGS: Since I am assigned to Arco Arena, I see the Maloof Family often. Gavin and Joe are the two I see and interact with most of the time. They are at the Kings games and at most of the Monarch games. They are approachable, personable and down to earth business men who enjoy having fun. Their generosity and interest in helping the community is genuine.

AOW: Are you in favor of building a downtown arena for the Kings and Monarchs?

SPRINGS: I have not paid much attention to the issue. I have been busy with the Monarchs, the upcoming American Basketball season and getting ready to coach the Special Olympics basketball teams.

AOW: What do you miss about D.C.?

SPRINGS: I miss working with Metropolitan Police and riding my motorcycle through the streets, I miss the diversity of the city and the events happening in the metropolitan area (MD, DC, VA) and maybe a couple of family members.

AOW: What is Sacramento's best feature?

SPRINGS: Diversity of the population. Snow or beach a couple of hours away in either direction.

AOW: What's the one food or drink that is always in your fridge?

SPRINGS: Fruit and sports drink.

AOW: What song is the soundtrack to your life?

SPRINGS: There's no one soundtrack to define my life. There could be a soundtrack through every phase of my life.

Article by: Lulu Saastad