American women's professional football team
Dallas Diamonds |
| Founded | 2002 |
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| League | WPFL (2002-2007)
IWFL (2008-2010)
WFA (2011-2012) |
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| Team history | Dallas Diamonds (2002-2012) |
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| Based in | Bedford, Texas |
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| Stadium | Pennington Field |
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| Colors | Black, purple, silver |
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| Owner | Dawn Berndt |
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| Head coach | Todd Haisten, Todd Hughes, Patrick Hughes & Bobby Vadnais |
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| Championships | 4 (WPFL: 2004, 2005, 2006)
(IWFL: 2008) |
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| Division titles | 8 (WPFL: 2004, 2005, 2006)
(IWFL: 2008, 2009, 2010)
(WFA: 2011, 2012) |
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The Dallas Diamonds was a women's professional American football team in the Women's Football Alliance (WFA). The Diamonds were made up of 46 players [1] and a coaching staff of 10.[2] The Diamonds won four national championships; the first three were all obtained during their membership in the Women's Professional Football League (WPFL) which was dissolved in 2008, and the fourth was in their first season in the Independent Women's Football League.
History
The Diamonds franchise started in 2002 by owner Dawn Berndt. During the inaugural season, the Diamonds finished with a 5–5 record. The following season, the Diamonds improved to 8-2 and entered the playoffs as a wild card team. They lost on their home field, Birdville Fine Arts Complex, to the Florida Stingrays who moved on to lose in the championship game.
In 2004, the Diamonds recruited a solid rookie class and moved through the season undefeated. The Diamonds marched through the playoffs defeating the Houston Energy, SoCal Scorpions and eventually Northern Ice for their first title.
In 2005, the Diamonds continued the winning streak and finished the season undefeated. In the playoffs, they defeated the Houston Energy, SoCal Scorpions and New York Dazzles for their second title.
In 2006, the winning continued until the Diamonds broke the WPFL record with 33 straight wins. The loss came to the rival Houston Energy in Houston, TX. The league reorganized in 2006 and separated these two power house teams into different conferences. This provided what had been the two best teams statistically with an opportunity to face in the championship game. Both teams reached the Championship and fought back and forth with multiple lead changes until the Diamonds pulled ahead 34-27 early in the 4th quarter and never relinquished the lead.
In 2007, injuries and retirement plagued the franchise. In their first regular season without a playoff berth, management took a different approach. Offering her players an opportunity to play in a new league, several players came out of retirement to join the IWFL in 2008. Playing the Chicago Force in Chicago, the Diamonds won the 2008 IWFL Championship. The Diamonds currently[when?] play at Pennington Field in Bedford, Texas and have the most active message board in women's football at www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com.[citation needed]
In 2009, the Diamonds finished another regular season undefeated, winning the South Atlantic Division title. However, another IWFL title was not in the cards, as they lost the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Boston Militia, 34–14.
In 2010, the Diamonds won another division title, this time finishing first in the Midwest Division at 7–1. Though they defeated the Chicago Force 27–20 in the Western Conference Semifinals, they would lose to the Sacramento Sirens 45–43 in the conference title game.
For the 2011–2013 seasons, the Diamonds played in the Women's Football Alliance.
Notable players
Jessica Springer
Jessica Springer was the Diamond's starting running back and linebacker. In 2004, she was the WPFL Howington Award Winner which is awarded to the league MVP. She runs a 4.88 40-yd dash and holds powerlifting records in both the bench press and dead lift in her weight category. She retired briefly during 2007 and returned for the last half of the season. The Diamonds did not make it into the playoffs in 2007 and Springer returned in her best form for 2008. She led the league in TDs and averaged over 11 yards per carry. During the championship game, she was the heart and soul of the team. She had an interception and every TD the Diamonds scored on offense came on the ground in Springer's hands. She carried the ball 9 times in OT and scored up the middle from 11 yards out to secure the Diamonds 4th ring in 5 years. She has been recognized by Neal Rozendaal as one of the best players in women's football.
Karen Seimears
Karen Seimears was the Diamond's starting quarterback from 2003 to 2010. The Diamonds were 53–3 with Seimears under center. She was named a starter for the Pro Bowl for each year she played. She was recognized by Neal Rozenhaal as one of the top quarterbacks in the women's game. During the 2007 season, Seimears walked the sidelines as the offensive coach. She returned to the field for the 2008 season and led the Diamonds to their 4th title in 5 seasons. Seimears coached again in 2010 while pregnant with her first son, Colton.
Ring of Honor
Shelley Burnson, OL; Aurelia Green, OL; and Karen Seimears, QB; Jessica Springer, RB/LB; & Ivette Young, LB are in the Diamond's Ring of Honor. Their numbers have been retired and are displayed at each Diamonds home game.
Championships
2004
The Diamonds took on the Northern Ice in WPFL Championship Game VI. This took place in Long Beach, California on November 20, 2004. The final score was Dallas Diamonds 62, Northern Ice 13. Seimears threw 4 passing TDs and Dallas dominated on the ground as well. The MVP was Q Ragsdale, running back for Dallas.[3]
2005
The Diamonds played the New York Dazzles in WPFL Championship Game VII. This took place at the Birdville Fine Arts/Athletic Complex in North Richland Hills, Texas on November 19, 2005. The final score was 61–8, Diamonds.[4]
2006
The Diamonds played the Houston Energy in WPFL Championship Game VIII, which took place in Roswell, Georgia on November 4. 2006. Monica Foster and the Dallas defense took over in the second half after the Diamonds fell behind and dominated from her safety position with two late INTs to seal the win. The final score was 34–27, Diamonds[5]
2008
The Diamonds played the Chicago Force in IWFL Championship Game, which took place in Chicago, Illinois on July 25, 2008. The Diamonds won in overtime 35–29. Jessica Springer was the game MVP and announced her retirement after the game. Coach Todd Hughes also announced his retirement.
Coaching staff
Todd Haisten 2003-2004 Head Coach WPFL Championship 2004 Record 20-3
Todd Hughes 2003-2004 Offensive Coordinator, Head Coach 2005-2008
WPFL Championship 2005–2006, IWFL Championship 2008 Record 37-4
Pat Hughes Rec Coach 2004- Defensive Coordinator 2005-2008
Mikal Black 2004 Defensive Line Coach, And 1st asst. Brian Bishop HC 2009, 10-1 Patrick Hughes HC 2010–2011, 22–2, Karen Seimears OC 2010,
Ryan Hopkins RB/WR Coach 2010–2011, OC 2011.
Bobby Vadnais 2010 Defensive Coordinator, 2011 Head Coach 10-1
