I had coached youth sports for 11 years when I had my first female tackle football player. our first scrimmage with coaches on the field a coach from the other team yelled at a runningback for getting tackled by agirl. I told him his player got tackled by a football player. She played nose for me and by the end of the year led the team in sacks, hurries,tackles for losses, and received my nomination as D-lineman of the year. She taught me more about desire, putting up with bigots and prejudice than anybody else ever did. I've always said I'm more comfortable with the athletes than with the role cheerleaders and the dance teams play in sports. Since then I've had the privilege coaching a couple other young women and because they want to be there( not forced by their parents) they have been a pleasure. I'll take desire and heart over talent and attitude any day.