Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson is set to make history once again as the home field of the Jersey Shore Wave, the state’s first female tackle football team in the Women’s National Football Conference. The Wave will play three home games at the restored national landmark, which once hosted Negro League baseball games in the 1930s. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and Rep. Mikie Sherrill welcomed the team, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, highlighted the fight for equal opportunities for women in sports, recalling her own experience in the military and as a soccer mom. The Wave is part of the Women’s National Football Conference, a semi-pro league with teams in big markets across the country, each playing six games followed by playoffs for the IX Cup. The players and coaches are not paid, relying on sponsors and fundraisers to cover expenses. For many players like Tatiana Perez and Ebony Goolsby, joining the Wave is an opportunity to finally play competitive football after facing barriers in high school and college. Despite facing challenges in building a fan base and overcoming stereotypes, team owner Dawn Sherman is excited to be part of the rich history of Hinchliffe Stadium and the community of Paterson. The Wave’s debut at Hinchliffe signifies a new chapter for women in sports and a step towards equality in football.
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