A groundbreaking force in women’s sports has been quietly rewriting the rulebook in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Inferno, a professional women’s tackle football team, isn’t just about hard hits and fierce competition,, it’s a story of relentless passion, resilience and the power of community support.
Founded in 2012, by former player Jen Moody, the Inferno emerged from a deep love for the game and a vision for a sport that could unite women from all walks of life. With over two decades of playing experience, starting with Pittsburgh Passion, Moody saw firsthand the challenges women faced in a sport traditionally dominated by men. When she relocated to Tampa, she seized the opportunity to reignite the local passion for women’s tackle football, creating a team that has now endured 14 seasons of growth and transformation.
From its humble beginnings in Division Two of the Women’s Football Alliance, the Inferno has risen to prominence. Today, they compete in the WFA Pro division, the top tier of a league with more than 60 teams, nationwide. Their journey to the elite level wasn’t handed to them; it was earned through sheer grit, hard work and the unwavering belief that quality and commitment would prevail. As Moody recounts, the team’s success has always been about more than just the X’s and O’s, but also cultivating a culture that transcends the sport.
“From the beginning, our mission has been the same. Our vision, our goals, our core values with the team have been consistent, since year one. And really, for creating that sustainable environment, you have to build a culture, it has to be so much more than football,” says Moody.
Life on and off the Field
The real heart of the story of Inferno is truly about the players. These are not athletes who live solely for the game, they are mothers, wives, professionals and community leaders. On any given day, a player might be heading into an eight-hour shift at her day job, then driving an hour and a half to practice, before squeezing in precious time with her family. Their rigorous schedules demand not only physical stamina, but also an extraordinary level of mental resilience.
The challenges are immense. Unlike their counterparts in larger, well-funded sports leagues, these women often lack access to the extensive support networks—nutritionists, physiotherapists and recovery specialists, that are taken for granted in professional athletics. Instead, they manage injuries, fueling their bodies on whatever time they can carve out between work and family responsibilities. Even with these challenges, a deep sense of camaraderie and a passion for the game keep them coming back to the field, game after game.
Recognizing the extraordinary challenges the Inferno athletes face, a new chapter in the organization’s story unfolded with the creation of a dedicated foundation. Spearheaded by Chase Stockton, chair of the foundation and long-time supporter of the team, the initiative was born out of a desire to level the playing field for these remarkable women.
The foundation isn’t just a financial lifeline, it’s a support system designed to ease the burdens that come with juggling a professional sports career alongside personal and professional lives. With operating expenses ranging from equipment and transportation to nutritional support and mental wellness programs, every dollar raised through the foundation is funneled directly back to the athletes.
“We truly believe that our supporters are partners in this journey. Every donation, every hour volunteered, every cheer from the stands, it’s all part of the fabric that makes the Tampa Bay Inferno not just a team, but a family,” says Stockton. “When you support us, you’re investing in something bigger than football.”
In its nearly two years of operation, the foundation has focused on building a robust infrastructure, from establishing bylaws and assembling a dedicated board to securing strategic partnerships with local businesses like Bake More Pies. These collaborations not only bolster the financial health of the team, but also amplify their brand, and reach, within the community. Through targeted marketing and community outreach, the foundation is helping to create a pipeline for future generations of female athletes.
Changing the Narrative of Women in Sports
The impact of the Tampa Bay Inferno goes far beyond the football field. The team and its foundation have become beacons of empowerment in the community, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds. Through partnerships with organizations like the Tampa YMCA, local schools and the Boys and Girls Club, the Inferno has taken its message directly to the people.
Clinics, camps and speaking engagements have become regular fixtures in the community’s calendar. These events aren’t just about teaching the fundamentals of football; they’re about instilling life lessons—resilience, teamwork and the importance of mental health. One standout story is that of a single mother of six, who not only juggles a demanding job in the juvenile justice system, but also shatters stereotypes on the gridiron. Her journey, like that of many of her teammates, is a testament to what is possible when passion meets perseverance.
As the season gears up—with the home opener slated for April 26 against a familiar rival from Pittsburgh, and a national championship game on the horizon in Canton, Ohio, the Inferno is more than just a sports team. It’s a movement. Every touchdown, every tackle and every hard-fought victory is a reminder that sports can be a powerful vehicle for change.
For fans, community members and potential sponsors, the message is clear: get involved.
“By partnering with us, you’re not just making a donation; you’re investing in the future of women’s sports,” Moody says. “Right now, girls’ and women’s sports are in the spotlight more than ever. With the help of our donors, and sponsors, we can create a bigger platform where every girl and woman is empowered to become leaders and achieve, both on and off the field.”
In the words of the team’s leadership, the journey of the Tampa Bay Inferno is about building a legacy where every girl and woman is given the opportunity to excel, to inspire and to redefine what it means to be an athlete. Through hard work, community solidarity and an unyielding love for the game, the Inferno is lighting the way for a new era in women’s sports.
