Friday, April 10, 2015

2015 Women's Football Preseason Preview: San Diego Surge


Quick Hits

Location: Santee, CA
Team Colors: Navy, Powder Blue, & White
League: Women’s Football Alliance
Conference: American
Division: Pacific West
Championships: 1 (League), 3 (Conference), 4 (Division)
Head Coach: Mike Suggett (4th Season)
Official Website: www.SanDiegoSurge.com

2014 Recap: 11-1 (American Conference Champions)

With the return of numerous veterans who played key roles in their 2012 championship season, the San Diego Surge looked poised to bring home another title. After prevailing over every opponent (and travel rule) that stood in their way, the Surge made it back to the WFA national title game. Unfortunately they would suffer a heart-breaking blowout loss to the Boston Militia, the same team that halted their championship hopes in 2011.

2015 Outlook

After failing to win the 2011 WFA National Championship, the Surge bounced back and took home the title the following year. Can history repeat itself? With the return of nine All-Americans and the entire coaching staff, the Surge should be favored to make their fourth appearance to the Super Bowl of women's football.

"If history proves us right, I believe that is the cycle we are heading for," said team owner Christina Carrillo, who also co-stars on the offensive line. "Losing the championship game really put things in perspective for us. We had a goal to get out and recruit quality players, as well as young talent. I believe we met our off-season goals this year."

Among those quality recruits is WFA veteran Jessica Springer, who joins the team after successful runs with the Dallas Diamonds and Chicago Force.

"I had always admired her style of play and athleticism and quite honestly, because she would single-handedly beat us down, I had a little bit of hostility towards her," Carrillo said. 

"We have become great friends over the years, and what just started out as a hint to come play for the Surge, slowly began to develop into more serious discussions. She has complete trust in our ownership, staff and team, and is excited to be a part of our organization."

"She brings an element to our team that is really hard to find."

Another big change this season will be the return of Mike Suggett as head coach. After leading the Surge to a 32-3 record during his first three seasons on the job, Suggett decided to take a lesser role as the defensive coordinator in 2014 while William Harris took over the head coaching duties. 

"I needed to reduce my responsibilities last year, because I just wasn't dedicated to get the job done from a head coach perspective." Suggett said. "Will Harris did a great job with the team last year, so I have a little pressure on me now to get the team back into the championship game."

After a successful head coaching debut, Harris will return to his original position as the linebacker's coach.

"We've been so cohesive over the years," Suggett said. "Everyone knows their role and what needs to be done. So the transition was minimal for the staff."

Returning for her 12th season of women's football is quarterback Melissa Gallegos. After sitting out the 2013 campaign, she returned to the gridiron in 2014 and threw for 31 touchdowns while leading the Surge to it's third championship appearance. With over 10,000 career yards, the 2012 WFA title, as well as numerous individual awards, it seems like the veteran has achieved everything this game has to offer. So what keeps her coming back?

"I just have a love for this sport," said Gallegos. "I am very competitive and feel like I can still play at this level. I will know when its time to hang up the cleats, and even though the time is drawing near, I want to take full advantage of every moment I have."

She also draws inspiration from her son Braydon, who turns three this year.

"He's now really understanding the fact that I play football," Gallegos said. "I cherish that huge smile on his face when he sees me all suited up with a helmet on." 

"I look forward to him watching me this season."

Impact Returners

OL Jessica Cable
- 2014 WFA First-Team All-American


QB Melissa Gallegos
- 2014 WFA First-Team All-American
- 31 TD Passes in 2014


RB Deana Guidry
- 2014 American Conference MVP


LB Knengi Martin
- 2014 American Conference Defensive Player of the Year

OL Katrina Walter
- 2014 WFA First-Team All-American

2015 Schedule

April 11th: vs. Pacific Warriors
April 18th: at Sin City Sun Devils
April 25th: Bye
May 2nd: vs. Arizona Assassins
May 9th: vs. Central Cal War Angels
May 16th: at West Coast Lighting
May 23rd: Bye
May 30th: vs. Ventura County Wolfpack
June 6th: at Pacific Warriors
June 13th: at Central Cal War Angels

Sources


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