If she wasn’t one of the captains drafting sandlot squads, Sissy George was the first pick before any of the other boys and girls in the player pool.
That’s because she was the better athlete hands-down. Sissy hit harder, she ran faster, and she was never intimidated by what was considered “normal.” Some of her female friends were cheerleaders and others were members of the girls’ teams, but George fell in love with football during the days when her father, Mark, was in charge of the Wheeling Little Patriots youth football program.
That’s when this young lady discovered she adored the sound of applause, especially when her talents caused crowds to oohh and aahh.
Eventually, it was that stereotypical “normal” that separated her from her male counterparts, forcing her to play softball instead of baseball, and removing her from the gridiron because, well, she’s a girl. After excelling in prep sports at John Marshall, she continued her education at West Liberty University but became distanced from organized athletics along life’s way.
But then Sissy found football again.
George soon will enter her second season as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Passion, a full-contact female football team that has been playing for the past 21 seasons. The Passion will begin its six-game regular schedule on April 22 at the D.C. Divas, and the ladies will play its home schedule at West Allegheny High School in Imperial, Pa.
What are the best parts of winning?
Enjoying the win as a team, and celebrating with them are the best parts of winning. It’s always been that way for me, too, because that’s what my parents always told me.
What is it about the game of football that has infatuated you since you were a young girl?
I just really enjoyed the sport and being able to do what my brothers did when we were younger. I even got to play alongside one of my brothers on the football field and that was a lot of fun. I’ve always found the game to be a lot of fun and I never really thought the tackling part of it was that big a deal. I just knew then and now that I like the contact. It’s fun for me.
What football player is your all-time favorite, and why?
Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce is my all-time favorite player. Kelce makes the game fun when he’s out of the field. He loves to win, too, but he shows it in a way that’s respectful to his opponents and that’s important.
What is more enjoyable for you – breaking a tackle or hitting back the opponent?
That’s a tough one. I enjoy both, but being able to break free from an opponent is such a rush for me. It was that way when I was a kid, and it’s that way now with the Passion. Getting additional yards for my team is what I’m expected to do anytime I’m rushing the football, so that’s important to me.
How accepting have people been in the Wheeling area concerning your choice to play football?
Well, my family and friends support me, so that’s all that matters.
What makes you smile?
I love being surrounded by loved ones. My friends and family have always been the backbone of my life.
I am just so grateful I still get to play this beautiful game.
