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Kathryn Hemlock, QB: ‘Ms. Versatility’ of Women’s Professional Football It’s been an offseason of change for the “other” professional football team in Washington. And no change made by the Redskins of late has garnered more headlines than the acquisition of veteran QB Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles. While bringing in a signal-caller from a division rival does counter conventional wisdom, imagine if that “other” team had gone an even less conventional route. What if they had simply asked one of the team’s defensive backs to move to quarterback?
Hemlock’s ability to make the transition from defensive back to quarterback is a testament to her athletic versatility. It’s a quality the Divas put to good use across the board. The Great Falls, Virginia native is not only the team’s QB, she handles punting, kicking and various specialty teams roles as well. “Yeah, I kicked, punted and returned last year too,” said #10. “I’m pretty busy during the game (laughs); I have to pay attention.” When she’s not busy paying attention to her role as a Diva on gamedays, Hemlock is busy paying attention to details of the legal variety. She received her law degree from American University and is one of only two attorneys on this year’s squad. And as for the reaction to her pigskin passion from her legal colleagues, it’s mixed. “Some of the people I work with who know think it’s neat,” added Hemlock. “Some are skeptical. And some don’t really have much of a reaction.” Other than toting a football and a briefcase, Hemlock takes time to referee high school basketball games and enjoys watching sports and being entertained by her two dogs. So just how did #10 start playing professional football in the first place? “I always loved football and wanted to play when I was younger,” said Hemlock. “When I finished playing basketball in college, I needed something to fill that void and I found out about the Divas. So I tried out and have been playing ever since.” Speaking of college, in Hemlock’s case, it’s not just where she got her undergraduate sheepskin – it’s also the source of her nickname on the field. “(My nickname is) Albany,” added Hemlock. When I was trying out I wore shorts from my basketball team at Albany and that’s how one of the coaches remembered me. So he started calling me ‘Albany’ and it stuck.” It looks like her nickname isn’t the only thing that’s sticking. With another winning season – their 10th in as many seasons – almost complete and the playoffs ahead, it seems the Divas have found their quarterback. And who knows? With Kathryn Hemlock taking the snaps, this season could have a similar finish to the one #10 cites as her favorite memory as a Diva: the 2006 championship victory. |
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The
D.C. Divas made that very move in their offseason by asking Kathryn Hemlock
to give up her spot in the Divas’ secondary as a safety for the
one under center. And with another winning regular season in the books
and the playoffs looming, the move has been a good one. 