Contracting officer trades her cubicle for gridiron at night

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  • By Delanie Stafford
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Neb. --  When U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Delaney Kiernan leaves her office at the end of the day, she doesn't do what you might think a 23 year old female contracting officer would do. She heads off to a football field in Ralston, Neb. where she straps on shoulder pads and a helmet to perfect her skills as a member of the Nebraska Stampede semi-pro women's football team.

Kiernan, who works in the 55th Contracting Squadron, is a former Air Force Academy rugby player. She said she enjoyed the physical aspect of rugby but was looking for something different - so she decided to give football a try.

"I'm a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan - born and raised in Buffalo," Kiernan said. "I always wanted to play when I was younger, but it was sort of taboo for a female to play football...so I cheered. I kind of just wanted to experience [football] for myself after watching it every Sunday."

Kiernan primarily plays at the safety position, but also backs up the kicker, and occasionally plays wide receiver. She said the physicality of playing football took some getting used to.

"It's hard hitting - it's eleven on eleven, full tackle, hard-hitting football," Kiernan said. Nobody goes soft because we're girls. You get knocked over a few times and you learn your lesson. "

About 30 players make up the Nebraska Stampede that is one of about 50 teams in the Women's Football Alliance. Their home games are played at Ralston High School in Ralston, Neb. on Saturday nights during the spring. This season, away games took them to Minnesota and Missouri. Kiernan said she enjoys the camaraderie and friendships she's developed with her civilian teammates along the way.

"I love being on a team," Kiernan said. "It's nice to find women who enjoy football as much as I do...just to find somebody who appreciates the sport that I grew up loving is awesome. You play the games on Saturday nights, then you go out to eat afterwards, and you can't help but be friends with some of them."

Her team made it to the playoffs this season for the first time but was defeated by the Houston Power on June 14 in Houston, Texas. Kiernan is optimistic that they can have even more success next season.

"We're a sleeper team and we'll catch people by surprise," Kiernan said.

Kiernan will have to miss next season due to a deployment, but encourages other women from Team Offutt to try out.

"We're always looking for new players," Kiernan said. "It's fun to be a part of the team and I don't think anyone should be discouraged."