I know you played football at one point can you share that experience with us?
Absolutely! Growing up, I played softball for several years before switching to baseball, where I was the only girl in my league in the entire state of Maryland. My nickname was “Rabbit” because of my speed. My coach even asked my mom if I could play football with the boys, but she always said no.
Fast forward to my early 20s—I discovered there was a women’s professional football league. At that point, my mom couldn’t say no anymore! I hired a personal trainer to prepare for tryouts, thinking I’d make the team as a receiver. Turns out, I was much better at tackling than catching, so I played cornerback for the Baltimore Burn for three years.
What are some of the foundational fitness components that high school football players should focus on?
Football players need to prioritize strength, power, and explosiveness, but what happens outside the gym is just as important. Proper recovery—especially getting enough sleep and fueling the body with the right nutrition—is crucial. Without it, the risk of injury increases significantly.
What’s the role of flexibility and mobility in preventing injuries for football players?
Flexibility and mobility aren’t just important for football players—they’re essential for everyone. When we improve our flexibility and mobility, we move more efficiently, reduce stiffness, and lower our risk of injury. Simply put, better movement leads to better performance and longevity in the sport and in life.
What advice do you have for athletes recovering from injuries to maintain fitness safely?
Be patient. I know from experience how frustrating injuries can be—when you’re eager to get back to your sport, it’s tempting to rush the process. But pushing too soon only prolongs recovery. Trust the process, follow your rehab plan, and allow your body the time it needs to heal properly.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to every high school football player about fitness and nutrition?
This reminds me of an old commercial where kids were running around on a soccer field—one dressed as a piece of broccoli, moving fast, and the other as a sluggish, oversized french fry. It was a funny visual, but the message was clear: we are what we eat.
If we fuel our bodies with nutrient-dense foods—lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs—we perform better. But if we rely on junk food, it shows in our energy, endurance, and recovery. Nutrition is a game-changer in athletic performance.
Are there any myths about football training or nutrition that you’d like to debunk?
One common myth is that players need to max out on their lifts every day to get stronger. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Training smart means balance heavy lifts with recovery days to allow muscles to rebuild and grow. Rest is just as important as work-it’s where real progress happens
Thanks for that great advice Coach Kelly! You are truly an inspiration and you always motivate us to BeMORE!
