Cali War’s Women’s Football Team (www.caliwar.com) is officially kicking off the 2025 season, ready to dominate the field and elevate women’s tackle football to new heights. As proud competitors in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), Cali War is not just here to play — they’re here to make a statement.
The excitement truly begins at home on Saturday, May 10th, at 5:00 PM, when Cali War hosts its official home opener at St. Bernard High School in Los Angeles—and this event is set to be nothing short of electric.
Fans can expect a high-energy, star-studded experience:
L.A. artist Carjanae will kick off the evening with a powerful performance of the National Anthem.
Celebrity DJ King Eric, from the Los Angeles Chargers and Clippers hype teams, will keep the energy alive throughout the game.
Talk show host and media personality Nikki Rich will be in attendance as a special VIP guest, lending her support to the growing movement for women in sports.
At halftime, prepare for an explosive performance by Tia P. — a powerhouse performer, producer, musician, songwriter, and actress from Inglewood, CA. A proud Howard University alumna and Top 7 Finalist on Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow, Tia P. has captivated audiences nationwide with her lyrical skill, commanding stage presence, and groundbreaking contributions to TV, film, and national ad campaigns for brands like Google, NFL, and Disney.
Fans attending will also be able to win exclusive giveaways, courtesy of Universal Studios, adding even more excitement to an already unforgettable night.
Women’s tackle football has existed for decades, yet it continues to fight for its rightful place in the mainstream sports world. Cali War athletes put everything on the line, sacrificing their bodies, time, and finances, all for the love of the game. They pay to play, they train like professionals, and they show up with heart, passion, and purpose.
Now more than ever, it’s time for the community to rally behind these incredible women.
This season, we’re not just playing — we’re rewriting the future of women’s sports.
Join us for a season that promises to be historic. Let’s show the world what happens when a city stands behind its women.
The Rise of Women’s Football
As the largest women’s tackle football league in the world, the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) provides a platform for talented athletes to compete at the highest level. Cali War stands as a proud ambassador of the league’s mission, demonstrating excellence on and off the field.
Over the past few decades, women’s sports have experienced a remarkable transformation, shattering long-held stereotypes and overcoming barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Female athletes have proven that athleticism knows no gender, and the landscape of professional sports is evolving to reflect this truth. One of the most exciting and groundbreaking developments has been the rise of women’s professional tackle football. Hear from a few of the football players on the Cali War Women’s Football team based in Los Angeles, who share their journey on playing football professionally.
“Sports have been an integral part of my life since childhood. I’ve always been an active person, participating in various sports like volleyball, basketball, and track and field. However, the sport that has truly resonated with me is football. Despite my lifelong struggle with weight, I’ve never let it define my abilities. Nevertheless, it has influenced how others perceive me, leading to self-doubt, especially in the context of sports. I’ve had to challenge the stereotype of the prima donna athlete or woman being a portrayal on television. I’ve come to realize that I’ll never fit that mold. Playing football has made me feel comfortable in my own skin. I play a crucial role that is enhanced by my size, and I don’t have to conform to any smaller image. Joining Cali War has been life-changing. These individuals are my family, and I couldn’t imagine my life without them. I eagerly anticipate football season, looking forward to the camaraderie of being around these amazing athletes, the
exhilaration of taking the field together, and the chance to achieve greatness.”
-Antoinette Borders-Frazier “Happy” #99 Defensive Tackle
“I started playing football in Canada and played several years up here. I always wanted to play when I was a kid, but there was no girls’ football, and my parents wouldn’t let me play with the boys, so I played soccer and elite-level hockey for years as a goalie. One of my hockey teammates asked if I wanted to play women’s football, and that was how I got started. After years of playing in Canada, I saw the WFA on Facebook and how large and competitive the league was and also the international opportunities. I met so many amazing women and made the jump to the WFA and Cali war. Even though I have sacrificed a lot to be able to make trips from Winnipeg to LA, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This will be my third year with Cali War. We have an amazing group of women from all walks of life and backgrounds, but we are a family and share a love of the game and a love for each other. I felt so nervous on my first trip down, but I was immediately welcomed by everyone and felt accepted right away.”
-Laura Dacey #68 Offensive Line
“I started playing tackle football five years ago in my hometown of El Paso, Texas. As a little girl, I always loved playing football, but it was never considered a women’s sport, so it was a struggle to play the sport that I love! Throughout the years, I played flag football to help fill a void in playing tackle football. Hoping one day that I could go back to playing the sport that I love in its entirety. Fast forward to when I was able to get into the WFA, my dreams of becoming a professional football player had come true. Playing football has brought back that spark in my life where I find happiness, where all my worries seem to just disappear. Playing football has always seemed to come naturally to me, and that is something that I’m thankful for. I don’t take that gift for granted and I use it to help my teammates evolve on the field as well. I travel to Los Angeles for practice every month for training but also to show my teammates that I’m all in to make sure that we win. Cali War is my second family! All of these women have accepted me with open arms, and I can truly feel all the love! Everyone that is affiliated with the Cali War has one goal and that goal is to win!”
-Jenny Nunez #98 Defensive End / Linebacker
I got tired of the cattiness in female sports in high school and decided to try out for the boy’s football team. When I asked the coach if I could try out, he told me my mother we needed to meet with the principal, who warned me of the danger of being the only female playing amongst males. My mother replied with, ‘well, she plays other sports too, and she can get injured playing those sports, same as Football just let her play, and then she can decide if this is what she
wants to do.’
My first experience with women’s football was playing in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), where I played for ‘The Breakers.’ They were a fun bunch of women to play with, mixed with coaches who inspired and pushed our team to the next level. During my football career I had to take some time off to fully dedicate my time to my children. Last season, I wanted to retire since I was turning 50 this year, but I couldn’t let that part of me go. Unfortunately, I sustained a career-ending injury in February as a result of an automobile accident. It was extremely difficult to accept that I could no longer play the sport that I grew up loving as well as walking away from the team and not playing this season. Although I may not be able to physically play with the team this year, the support for this game and my football family will never change. Playing for the WFA has allowed me to travel the world and play football while being an ambassador of the sport to other female athletes in other countries. Cali War is a melting pot with players from around the world, not just California. The team is a family full of protectors, friendship, leadership, growth, and care.
-Mini Ayala #54 retired player/game-day coordinator
About Cali War Women’s Football Team
The Cali War Women’s Football Team is a leading force in the Women’s Football Alliance. With a commitment to athletic excellence and community impact, the team represents the strength, determination, and unity of women in sports.
This article, Uniting Sports, Music, and Community — Cali War Home Opener Aims to Push Women’s Football into the Mainstream first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Kerbi Lynn.
Never miss the latest in plus size fashion news, trends, and conversations! Sign up for Curvy Fashionista Newsletter!