By Kelsey Horath
Louisiana Tech Football held the second annual Women’s Football Clinic last night at the Davison Athletics Center and Joe Aillet Stadium.
All proceeds made during the clinic were donated to the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.). This organization provides help to domestic and dating violence victims and their children in North Central Louisiana in the parishes of Jackson, Lincoln, Union, Winn, Claiborne, Bienville and Grant.
“Our football program is extremely excited to host our second annual Women’s Clinic here to benefit D.A.R.T. and to bring awareness to that organization,” Bulldog head coach Sonny Cumbie said.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to hear more about the organization from D.A.R.T. Community Advocates Kris Barney and Terrie Autrey.
Mortissa Harvey, Director of Title IX Compliance at Louisiana Tech, also shared the importance of partnership with D.A.R.T.
“D.A.R.T was founded back in 1994 by a group of concerned citizens who really saw the need in our community to have a safe haven, a safe shelter, for our victims,” Barney said. “One of the things that we do is serve everybody that needs a place.”
Attendees were given a football facility tour and allowed time to interact with different coaches and players from the team as part of the event.
Coaches’ spouses were also a part of the event, sharing their experience of being married to a coach and what football season looks like for them.
“This event is special because it helps bring women more into the game of football,” Director of Football Operation Jacob Martinez said. “Football is for everyone. So to bring women into a part of what we do on a daily basis here at LA Tech is huge.”
Attendees had the chance to do a promotional photo shoot wearing a jersey and utilizing props before heading to the field for practice and drills.
“The event is so fun, and I am so excited to be here,” Tech graduate Sara Howell-Floyd said. “I couldn’t wait to get out there and run drills, even though I may not have been the best.”
The event ended on the field with laughter and good fun as coaches, players, the D.A.R.T. organizers and attendees already looking forward to what next year’s event will hold.
