Women's sports opportunities continue to expand in the Triangle.
In recent years, flag football leagues have grown to include coed and all-women competition. Now, women have the chances to play baseball and tackle football.
The Carolina Phoenix, with a roster of players from the area that includes former N.C. State basketball player Terah James, open its Independent Women's Football League home schedule at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Georgia Peachez at Durham County Stadium in Durham.
The Phoenix began play as the Cardinals with a single game in 2005 and a 5-1 record in 2006 and has been a regular in the league playoffs, according to team CEO Leigh Lester Holmes. The players and coaches pay their own ways, and the team is filing for nonprofit status when enough money is raised to cover the IRS filing fee.
Other home games are scheduled for April 23 against the Philly Firebirds, May 21 against the Carolina Dixie Bells and June 4 against the Baltimore Nighthawks. Tickets cost $10.
After the football season ends, girls age 12 to 15 will have a chance to learn baseball as well. Cary-based USA Baseball will conduct its inaugural Women’s Development Camp from Aug. 4-6 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary. The camp will be held in conjunction with the Aug. 2-7 Women’s International Friendship Series between U.S. Red, U.S. Blue, Australia and Canada. The camp costs $50.
*** Got recreational sports news? Send an email to Teri Boggess at play@newsobserver.com.
Looking for recreational sports events or signups? Check the Play! Recreational Sports Calendar.***
