When we refer to a journey, we tend to analyze an individual’s path through life. A journey can also be linked to a movement. Whether it’s a political movement or a social movement, you’re able to use a timeline to track the progress and growth. Decades ago men’s sports dominated the airwaves and the public eye. Back then the role of women’s sports was the equivalent of a side note. The female athletes didn’t receive the media attention or the respect they deserved.
As time marched on, female athletes gradually gained momentum. The general public began to respect the athleticism and skill set the women athletes possessed. Present-day young female fans have a number of women athletes they can cheer for and idolize. In gymnastics you have Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe in soccer, and in basketball Candace Parker and Maya Moore are the premier players. Coming soon to a stadium near you, a new female star athlete is ready to make her mark. A product of Houston, Texas, Santia Deck is the chosen one. She is the woman standing under the bright lights of the newly founded Women’s Football League Association (WFLA). Her speed, acceleration, and all-around athletic talent placed her in position to be the face of this elite women’s full-tackle football league.
Santia Deck was naturally athletic as a young child. Despite being blessed with natural physical abilities, Deck was dedicated to exercising and putting in the work to enhance her skills. She excelled as a track star in high school and college. Later on, she would be recruited via social media to play Flag Football and Rugby. Due to videos of her speed and agility being showcased on social media, another opportunity came knocking for the former track star. Deck was offered the opportunity to play tackle football. She was drafted by the Los Angeles Fames, and then offered a multi-million dollar contract. In addition to being a world-class athlete, she is also a Certified Fitness Trainer. Known as “The Queen of Abs”, Deck has a result-proven online workout program. Santia Deck is a proven athlete and businesswoman. Sports/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer spoke with Santia Deck in reference to her trendsetting opportunity.
Vince: Define your swagher. What makes Santia, Santia?
Santia: I’m the perfect combination of a tomboy and a girly girl. I love dressing up in heels, but obviously I’m an athlete so I like sweats and leggings. I have the perfect mix, so I think that’s my Swagher.
Vince: What age did you start playing sports?
Santia: My first sport was actually tennis. I started playing when I was four years old.
Vince: Growing up as a kid, did you always have a physical advantage when you competed against the other kids?
Santia: Definitely. My twin brother and I were born really muscular. I was faster and stronger than the other kids. I had a clear advantage.
Vince: As a kid, you were a much better athlete than the average kid. Was there ever a time you felt sorry for your opponent and felt the need to let them win?
Santia: I remember in middle school we use to run two laps around the playground. My brother and I use to beat the kids so bad the teacher used to make us wait two minutes before we could start running. That was the only time I was held back. The way I grew up, we were taught to dominate the competition.
Vince: What sports did you play in high school and college?
Santia: I just ran track. I ran the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter.
Vince: Did you make an attempt to go pro as a track athlete?
Santia: I kept getting injured in college, but I tried to go pro. I told myself I would try one more time and then I re-injured my hamstring. I tried but it didn’t work out.
Vince: How did you get involved in football?
Santia: After track was done, I was trying to find something to fill that void. I was introduced to flag football by someone who saw me on social media. I went to practice and I did so good I fell in love with it. I went on to break some records and made the USA team. Because of that my hype on social media built up and a Rugby coach reached out to me. After I learned how to play, I did really well. I made the International traveling team and all the coaches thought I was going to make the Olympic team. I ended up getting injured and it messed up my journey. I went through a depression because I put a lot into the training just to come out empty-handed. Then Lupe Rose, the person that owns the new league messaged me, and the rest is history. Now I’m playing tackle football.
Santia Deck’s favorite NFL team is the New England Patriots. Her favorite running backs are Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, and Alvin Kamara, the running back for the New Orleans Saints. Her style compliments both of her favorite running backs. Just like Barkley and Kamara, Santia Deck is very agile and when she’s running the ball, she is excellent at instantly changing direction. She is aware of the pressure that comes with the signing of a multi-million dollar contract. Deck is up to the challenge and she admits the position she’s in motivates her to be the best.
With the large disparity in compensation rates between women and men, Santia Deck’s deal is a sign of progress for all female athletes. The Women’s Football League Association will kick off its exhibition season in May of 2020. The inaugural season is scheduled to kick off in 2021.
