WFLA Football Player Santia Deck Becomes First Female Athlete To Own A Sneaker Company

Growing up as an adolescent male, it’s easy to visualize the blueprint. Time and time again, you’re able to see the male college football or basketball star transition to the professional ranks and sign a multi-million dollar contract. In addition to the generous salary, he also secures a lucrative endorsement deal for his very own signature shoe.

The teenage male who is a witness to this type of success becomes motivated to follow in the male athlete’s footsteps. When you’re able to observe a male athlete rise from the same circumstances you’re currently facing, it’s very inspirational. It galvanizes you to put in the work to improve your game, and it gives you the belief in regards to thinking if that person can do it, so can you.

For young female athletes, it’s not quite the same. They’re able to see female athletes before them elevate to the next level, but they don’t see those women athletes receiving the monetary gains.

Santia Deck is in the process of changing that dynamic. She is one of the stars of the Women’s Football League Association. The CEO of the new women’s league Lupe Rose plans to have their inaugural season play out in 2021. Deck is the running back for the Los Angeles Fames. Santia made headlines when it was announced that she became the first woman to sign a multi-million dollar contract to play football. Months later, Santia Deck will make history for a second time. Instead of settling for her own signature shoe, Deck took it a step further and became the first female athlete to start her own sneaker company. When Santia Deck sets her mind on doing something, apparently, there are no limits.

A product of Houston, Texas, Santia Deck’s first sport was tennis. She picked up the game of tennis at the age of 4. She transitioned to track and excelled in high school and college. After her track career came to an end, Santia was looking for something to fill that void. She was introduced to flag football, and she developed into a record-breaking player. As she built up a social media following, a rugby coach reached out to her. Deck played rugby and performed well as she made the International travel team. From there, her athletic prowess provided her the chance to become an impact player in the WFLA. Her business savvy afforded her the opportunity to make history as the first female athlete to own a sneaker company.

Sports/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer went one on one with Santia Deck.

 

Vince: Last time we spoke, you were preparing to showcase your football skills in an exhibition game that was scheduled for May of 2020. Due to the pandemic, the game was canceled. How disappointing was the cancellation?

Santia: It was definitely disappointing. I was training, and I was prepared. I was hype and excited about moving to L.A. and meeting my teammates. I do understand because of the circumstances we’re in due to the virus. It sucks, but at the same time, she cared about us athletes to not put us out there in a position to be playing, and then everybody catches the virus.

Vince: Despite the exhibition game setback, the WFLA is scheduled to play a full season in 2021. In regards to preparation, what is a typical day for you?

Santia: It’s kind of been all over the place lately because nobody knows when we’re actually going to play. It makes it difficult to know how to train. When I know I’m going into a season, I train 5 to 6 days a week. Right now, I’m doing 3 to 4 days of training.

Vince: You became the first female football player to sign a multi-million dollar contract. Does that intensify the pressure for you to perform?

Santia: Definitely because everybody is gunning for you. It makes me have to and want to go harder. I know what I’m capable of, and I want to make sure I perform to the best of my abilities. Whenever you’re at the top, you want to make sure you stay there.

Vince: When did you first have the vision to start your own shoe company?

Santia: This was a two-year process. When I was younger, I was a big sneakerhead, and I always had the desire to have my own shoe. Around 2018 I was approached by a designer who asked me if I wanted my own signature shoe. I explained how I wanted it to look, and he drew it up. Through the process, the designer, my mom, who is also my manager, and I had conversations about what would take this to the next level. Then we decided instead of a shoe line, why not have a shoe company.

Vince: What was the process for you regarding the starting point and where you are now?

Santia: Once we decided to turn the idea into an actual company, it became a lot of research and legal work. It’s also about getting others to buy into your idea. During the process, we made some mistakes, but we learned from them and corrected those mistakes. We were learning on the job, and we continued to move forward.

Vince: What is the name of the sneaker, and how would you describe it?

Santia: The name of the shoe is Tronus. I would describe it as an athleisure shoe. It’s a shoe that obviously looks nice and a shoe you can wear to the gym to workout in. My shoe is unique, light, and provides good support.

Santia Deck’s motto for success is sticking to the plan, staying focused, and keeping God and family first. She’s a gifted athlete who is transitioning into a brand. In the near future, she plans on launching her own CBD line, sock line, and athletic skincare line. In addition to owning her own shoe company and putting out her shoe, Deck plans on creating signature shoes for other athletes and influencers. In the meantime, Deck’s Tronus sneaker named the 2020 O’s will be available on July 19th. To order a pair of these limited editions, go to www.tronusofficial.com.