Public Safety Officer Barbara Benson and junior Sona Ahuja are participating in the local women’s professional football league, the Albany Nightmares. The league is part of the Independent Women’s Football league and is open to anyone ages 16 and up.
Benson has played softball, soccer, and basketball for years. She never realized, however, that she would ever be able to play football, which has traditionally been a men’s sport.
“It’s an opportunity to do something that I never thought I would have the chance to do. ... It’s exciting—it’s very exhilarating,” said Benson.
Despite common misconceptions, Benson thinks that women can play football just as well as men. “We’re on an even level with them,” said Benson.
Benson learned about the Nightmares at an RPI softball game during a discussion with one of the coaches of the other team. She joined the Nightmares and then convinced Ahuja to try out for the team.
“I have a friend who plays on the New England Storm, and I figured I would give it a try,” said Ahuja.
The fees for playing in the IWFL are almost $2,000, including the cost of uniforms, renting fields, and transportation. The Nightmares help pay for that cost by convincing sponsors to support players and selling t-shirts and candy, said Benson. Ahuja is sponsored by Rusty’s in Watervliet.
Founded in 2000, the IWFL is composed of 21 teams based in cities nationwide. The Nightmares play a nine-game IWFL schedule that runs from April to June.
The Nightmares’ first game against the Philadelphia Liberty Belles was originally scheduled for April 12 but was postponed due to inclement weather conditions. The team will play this Saturday against the Detroit Blaze at Chatam High School field in Chatam, NY.
