Adopt a
Titan Player
Welcome Titan fans! As we begin our second season of tackle football the Titans are putting together one of the best women's football teams in the country. To help achieve our goals, each player is responsible for raising approximately $1000 towards the estimated $90,000 it will take to carry us through the season.
We have implemented a new program called "Adopt-a-Titan". This program allows you, the fans to support a Titan player in a personal way. By adopting one of the players listed below, you help them raise their $1000 which, in turn keeps the team playing football all season long and insures the return of the New Jersey Titans in years to come. Read their stories, pick your favorite player and send her your contribution. We have girls traveling from different states so your help will be greatly appreciated.
A special thank you will be placed on the players page once the season begins.
Thank you Titans fans, from all the players and staff of the New Jersey Titans Women's Pro Football team!
(If you'd like to pay by check make them payable to NJ Titans and send to PO Box 1087 Highland Lakes, NJ 07422-1087. Or log onto www.paypal.com and send the money in your favorite players name to sedwards@jerseytitans.com.)
Meet #22 Kristen Duska
Background:
Second year Wide Receiver/DB for the New Jersey Titans... Majored in Exercise Science and Physical Education/Health at Kean University in Union, NJ... While at Kean, was a 4 year member of the softball team..First team ALL NJAC/ECAC 1st baseman selection.
Personal:
Resides in Bound Brook, NJ.. Currently a Physical education/health teacher as well as a personal trainer...Is the daughter of Mike and Molly Duska. Has one younger sister, Ashley.
Interests:
Spending time with family and friends. music, working out, surfing, the beach, traveling, anything outdoors, writing, and NY GIANTS football.
Why I Play the Game:
My natural competitive drive alongside the love and passion I have had for the game since I could remember has taken me from years of backyard football with my cousins to now being part of the New Jersey Titans organization.
Meet the NJ Titans Players
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Help Support Kristen
More Players coming Soon!
Meet #44 Robyn Carbonara
Born November 1, 1975 in Washington DC.
BS in Elementary Education. Married to Michael Carbonara since April 2004. No kids, but one crazy Jack Russell Terrier dog! I currently am an Administrative Assistant for Deloitte & Touche. They have an awesome gym and the trainers in there are helping me keep in shape for football!
I played all sorts of sports growing up...mostly soccer (for 12?? years) as well as basketball, swim team, and softball. Learned to surf in my time at Salisbury (MD) University, living in Ocean City MD.
I moved to New York City in 1998, and took up long-distance running since I couldn't find more than corporate softball leagues to play in (not really a lot of exercise, ya know?). I ran the ING New York City marathon in 2005, as well as the ING Miami Marathon in January 2006 and the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall of 2006 (and I will run another marathon in the fall of 2008-although I am not sure which one!). I never stopped watching my favorite football team, the Washington Redskins, and one day when I was on their website, I saw the sport I always wanted to play being played by women in DC...FOOTBALL! So I knew there had to be a team in the NYC area, and luckily, the Titans were starting right near my home in NJ.
I have played with the Titans since the beginning of their time in NJ (the first person to show up on September 23 2006 for tryouts!) and I am proud to say that I am an OL/DL women's football player for the New Jersey Titans.
Help Support Robyn
Meet #21 Simone Edwards
Are you ready for some football?? That Monday Night showdown theme song has always stuck in my head for as long as I could remember. Today, I am still singing the same song but to a different beat. I now own, and play for a professional women's' football team; The NJ Titans. This is my 7th year playing football. I was introduced to women's football by the Philadelphia Phoenix who I played for four years. I was a three sport Varsity athlete in high school and was the first athlete male/female to receive 12 Varsity letters. A tomboy?? You bet...lol. Making my way on to college, I also played 3 sports there as well(basketball, volleyball, softball). To date of my college career-still hold the women's basketball scoring record with over 2,200 points for Fairleigh Dickinson University, featured in the Sports Almanac for free throws made and attempted in a career/season male/female in all 3 divisions, Kodak All American; basketball/volleyball, 3 concussions, torn ligaments, a scratched cornea, and 5 cracked teeth. I was invited to the Olympics for Team Handball and was also extended an invitation to the development league for the WNBA. To sum it up...I'm an athlete, and football is yet another stage. On an educational note-yes I did get educated in between the sports..lol.
I have my Masters in Counseling and will be opening up my own private practice giving way to my first clients: THE TITANS...lol. Currently, I work in a school system, and sometimes think of pursuing my singing career but for now I'll settle for singing the National Anthem at our home games.
I am mostly known for always joking, a good listener, extremely caring, and giving. I am very content when spending time with my family and friends for they are the most important to me.
To my family I'm known for all of the things above, but the biggest one my family would add to the list would be a PROCRASTINATOR. However, in spite of being just that, I still manage to get it all done, BUT of course, not without the help, encouragement, and support of my partner in crime, Jessica and my family. They are my driving force who have followed me in sports from 7th grade, throughout high-school and college, and now professional women's football. My faithful fans consists of my mom, dad (who you will find always questioning the refs no matter what sport..lol) 3 phenomenal older sisters, 5 awesome nieces and 2 great nephews (one who passed away 6 years ago, but he is always in my heart! I love you Manny!!)
Last but not least, I have a very STRONG mother who raised all four girls on her own and I give her much credit. I am who I am today, because of her. She has taught me to be the best, strive for nothing less, and to always put God first and the rest will fall into place. I've done all of that and have much more to go!! She is truly my hero; I look up to her and admire her strength and courage. She has basically given her entire life to her children....what more can I ask for. Love you mom!!!
Help Support Simone
Meet #41 Cynthia Hazel
Spring Valley, NY
I'm a sports fanatic!! Between April and November I'm a catcher on 6 different softball teams. In the winter it's basketball and volleyball. I ran track in high school as a sprinter, and these days I continue to do distance training as often as possible. My husband and I go hiking, mountain biking and anything else that will get us out of the house and enjoying the outdoors. I love to travel, but also I'm a gamer. When I am stuck in the house you can usually find me in playing madden, oblivion, tomb raider or some rpg game on my PS3.
I grew up around boys, football was one of our favorite sports to play. Sure we'd tackle...even without the gear...but I've yet to break a bone. In high school, my junior and senior year, the girls would have a flag football game during homecoming between the two classes...my team won both years!! I always thought that was going to be my only opportunity to be a part of a football team. Thanks to the NJ Titans and the NWFA, I'm playing on a real team, with great coaches, great girls, positions and training for each of them, and against real teams who share this blessing with us equally. This is part of our dream, and hopefully we won't wake up until there are contracts, paychecks, and all of us can proudly introduce ourselves as professional athletes in the sport of football. But like my boy Frederick Douglas once said..."without struggle there is no progress", and this is our struggle. And like a family, we will stick together and tackle our way through the critics. And to the people who say we're only girls and we can't play football...let them step on our field!!!
Help Support Cynthia
Meet #19 Renee Stopherd
Renee Stopherd, 22 years old from Summit, NJ. I am majoring in Physical Therapy. I love going to the gym and lifting everyday. I am beginning to enter natural bodybuilding competitions. I'm always keeping active by playing football, snowboarding, surfing and love to ride my motorcycle.
Football is my favorite sport to play and watch.It involves a lot of strategy, strength and speed. We are all fortunate enough to play women's tackle football.
Help Support Renee
Meet #54 Jodi Dunkelman
Background:
First year OL/DL Titan…BA in Mathematics and MA in Mathematics Education from Rutgers University…Anticipated graduation in May 2008 with MA in School Administration...
Personal:
Resides in Piscataway, NJ…Currently an 8th grade Math teacher…Have the most amazing parents, a great brother and sister-in-law, and the cutest niece in the whole wide world.
Interests:
Hanging with my family and friends, working out, snowboarding, watching CSI, and the E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles.
Why I Play the Game:
This is a great question…I am not really sure how it happened, but I love to try new and challenging adventures. So far, I have no complaints…I have met some amazing people and really great friends.
Help Support Jodi
Meet #71 Laura Kulaw:
I have been playing women's football for the past 8 years. Football is a passion of mine and playing the game is a dream come true. I love the game with all my heart and soul. When I am not playing football I teach health and physical education at a kindergarten through 8th grade charter school is Astoria, NY. I enjoy the outdoors, all kinds of sports, traveling, kicking back reading a good book and lazy days on the beach. I hope to be an inspiration for girls who want to play the greatest game on earth.
Help Support Laura
Meet #80 Rita Stefanidis
1st year- Wide Receiver
Background:
BA in Spanish from Rutgers University
Currently working on Masters(M.A.T.)
Personal:
From Cranbury, NJ.
Spent 8 years in the military, serving in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the MiddleEast.
Was a sketch comedy writer in New York City.
Currently teaches high school Spanish.
Interests:
Playing sports, the outdoors, traveling, cooking, spending time with friends and family.
Why I play the game:
I played a lot of sports growing up, but never heard of any girls' or women's football teams. It's the greatest sport- challenging and always exciting. I love it! Go Titans!
Help Support Rita
Meet #14 Melissa "Mojo" Bradford
Background:
First year player for the New Jersey Titans… B.S. in Communication from Rutgers University. 4 year NCAA Division I Softball player (catcher/DH)
Personal:
Originally a South Jersey girl from Pennsville, NJ… Currently resides in Piscataway, NJ and works in a private school for children with autism… Assistant Coach of Harrison HS softball and an associate of Gap Inc… Attends William Paterson University pursuing an Elementary Education (K-5) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Dual Certification… Is the daughter of Kerry and Sharon Bradford… Has one older brother, Kerry.
Interests:
Spending time with family and friends… reading… music… movies… softball… snowboarding. Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies…
Why I Play the Game:
To be inspired by and to inspire other athletes… To be a part of something great… To fulfill my childhood dream of being a professional athlete… To push myself to a new level of competition
Help Support Melissa
Meet #5 Stacey Townsend
My name is Stacey Townsend and I am 27 years old. I have a 5 year old son who I absolutely adore. So one might ask why am I playing football? All my life I've played...growing up with my brothers and cousins and
I'm the only girl...in order to have fun u had 2 conform to the things they were doing and football was mainly it. My first love is football, and since being a female, it was extremely difficult convincing my parents 2 let me play...so I had 2 take up basketball instead.
Basketball became my Love! I love all aspects of basketball and so I've played, coached and now I ref. I love football! A person can't say that they have lived and loved life until they have done all that they set out 2 do. If I were to die soon(no time soon hopefully)...I would be
content knowing I have done what I've always wanted to do...and that is to play football!
I'm hoping that I can contribute to this team's success in ANY way possible. Just given the opportunity to be on the team means a lot 2 me. Its also important because when I talk 2 people and the say things like "women don't supposed to play football"...it drives me 2 have success
with this! Stayed tuned and come out and support Us TITANS.
Help Support Stacey
Meet #10 Danielle Green:
This is my first year playing football as a Running Back/Corner Back for the New Jersey Titans. I love it! It is so much fun getting to run and tackle people for fun! I have met awesome people and get to play with a lot of close friends. I have always watched football but Simone and April were the ones that convinced me to play.I thank them for that because I love it. I am a big JETS fan, and yes I can admit that!!!!
I have a degree in Psychology, Special and Regular Education. I graduated from Felician College and currently going back for my Masters in Special Education at Grand Canyon University. Currently, I teach resource room (Reading, Writing, and Math) in Millburn. It can be challenging at times, but that is what I love about it!
Hope to see everyone at the games!!!!
Help Support Danielle
Meet Lisa Frey
This is my rookie year playing football for the New Jersey Titans and I’m really STOKED!!!! Growing up my friends and I used to play full contact football without pads in the park for fun never did I imagine I would have the opportunity to play for a woman’s football team.
I have been a competitive athlete since I was 8 years old. I played 4 yrs of Varsity Field Hockey, Basketball & Softball. I excelled in Softball won All County & All State Honors in High School and achieved 2nd team All American as a Catcher in college. I also swam competitively for 10yrs, my favorite stroke… the Butterfly! During the Spring, Summer and Fall I play on four different softball leagues and have also played Woman’s Baseball on a National level.
Born and raised in New Jersey but looking to move to sunny Arizona in the next few years. I currently live in Lincoln Park with my two boxers Diesel and Passion. My love of sports, ambidextrous capabilities and competitive nature I owe to my Mom who is also one of my biggest fans and never misses a game. I have one brother, two nieces and one nephew.
I work in the Fitness Industry and have been a Fitness Professional for the past 17 years. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer and I teach several different types of Group Fitness classes including; Bootcamp, Kickboxing , Step, Spinning, Pilate's and a new and upcoming martial arts class called Forza which is a cardio/strength class using wooden swords . I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to touch and change people’s lives daily… what could be more rewarding!?
Other Interests:
Outdoor Cycling, triathlon, taking my dogs Diesel & Passion to the dog park & anything that involves being outdoors! I like watching Football, UFC, Reality TV and hanging out with friends.
Help Support Lisa
Meet #11 Carrie Scharpnick
Most people know me as Piper or Sharpie. I have been playing sports all my life. Some of them include softball, soccer, basketball, “my all time love” ice hockey and now football. I’ve always cherished the days playing football with the boys as I was growing up. Whether we played in the park, school yard, on the street, in snow, in rain and in the mud, I could remember feeling euphoric.
I was born and raised in Elizabeth , NJ where I still reside today. I am a former Personal Trainer and Zamboni driver (yes that’s the little truck that resurfaces the ice during hockey games). I currently work in the legal department for the City of Elizabeth . I deal with a variety of situations ranging from Motor Vehicle Law to Criminal Law.
I enjoy my spare time hanging at the beach, surfing in the summer and in the mountains snowboarding in the winter. Also, I love working out, listing to music (dance / Electronic, TG for XM Radio!), watching TV Law and Order SVU and CNN / Fox News for keeping up on current events. I also enjoy traveling.
This is my rookie season with the Titans (WR/SS/CB).
I am confident that the transition from ice hockey to football will be smooth. Like football, ice hockey is a very self fulfilling sport. The responsibilities are very similar. If you don’t do your job and win the 1 on 1 battle's your team suffers; if you don’t strive to be the best or try your hardest, your team suffers. You are in control of what happens on the ice or on the field!
Being an avid hockey player, I’ve been very fortunate to have had great success playing over the years. I’ve captained almost every team I have played on and have received various awards. I’ve been to 11 straight consecutive National Championships (winning in ‘03’ Philadelphia ) that have been hosted all over the US . To name a few, some of those places included; Anchorage Alaska , Detroit Michigan , Minneapolis Minnesota , and San Jose California . I have also had the opportunity to tryout for the US Team in ‘05’for the then upcoming ‘06’ Olympic Games in Torino , Italy . What an incredible experience that was! I hope to have the same success on the field as I did on the ice. None the less, I have the opportunity to play a sport that I love and never thought I would have the chance to ever play competitively. For that, I am grateful. Thank you for your support! And hope to see you at the games!
Help Support Carrie
Meet #45 Margaret "Justice" McCargo
Background:
2nd year – OL/DL Titan
B. A. in Communications from Upsala College. Sheriff’s Officer with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department currently in my 14th year. Former Canine Handler with Accelerant Detection partner Rex.
Personal:
I consider myself to be an athlete. As a young girl growing up in East Orange, New Jersey I was a little “Tom Boy” in a house with sisters and no brothers . I have played sports for most of my life basketball and softball are my sports of choice . I enjoy the thrill of the game and the competitive nature of any sport. I coached the Girls Basketball Team at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey from 1994-1996 . I was also a contender for the American Gladiators in California advancing to the semi-finals in 1992 which continues to air some of my episodes on the cable network.
Interests:
Playing sports and baking goodies with my precious girls chef Zoriah and chef in training Joyden. Watching my children participate in their extra circular activities and spending time with family and friends.
Family:
I have two wonderful and adorable daughters who call themselves “Little Titans”. My son Denzell who is my inspiration coupled with my desire to play because after all we as parents should lead by example. My family and friends who are supportive of me playing football. They think it’s cool having a Women’s Professional Football Team here in New Jersey. I also have four nephews two of whom started playing football at an early age. I think it’s more inspiring and rewarding for boys to see women playing in a sport that for centuries has been male dominated.
Why I play the game?
My son started playing football in the 8th grade and since that time the sport has become of interest to me as well. He and I spend time discussing interceptions , tackles , weak sides, yardage, and touchdowns!! He is currently in high school playing in his 3rd season . He has become one of my strongest critics on the field . I appreciate the advise because I am a very competitive person who is always striving to excel in every area of my life.
I believe that we as Titan’s are a family working towards one common goal which is to win!!!!!!!!
Help Support Justice
Meet Victoria Bliss Van Devere
Background: My name is Victoria Bliss Van Devere, I’m 19 years old, and I am in my sophomore year at Bloomfield College. My current major is Video Production. I grew up and still reside in Roselle NJ. My life long dream is to become a well known actress and/or model.
Personal: I’m a very outgoing person who loves being active and going out. Growing up, I played softball from ages 5 to 19 and I played basketball in my high school years. I’ve always dreamed of playing football. When I was younger, my friends and I always played football with the boys in the neighborhood. When I found out there was a female tackle football team I was beyond excited. I am so anxious to see what it’s like being a part of a football team and can’t wait to get this season started!!! O YEA!! GO TITANS!
Interest: I enjoy writing poems, watching movies, listening to music, playing any type of sport, playing video games, shopping (of course) and laughing with friends and family.
Why I play?: I want to play with the Titans because I know what it’s like being apart of a team, it’s like having a second family. Relationships and bonds with other people keep you level headed and grounded, and that’s the most important thing I look forward to. Not only will I have strong, confident women teaching me what I haven’t yet learned but I will be apart of a bigger movement. Not only playing a sport that I’ve always longed to participate in, but I will be contributing to the community and be a role model to other girls my age.
Picture coming soon....
Meet #73 Marsha Burke
Background:
This is my first year playing for the NJ Titans on the Offensive/Defensive Line.
Personal:
Grew up in Manville NJ. Attended Hillsborough High School and graduated in 1992. I currently reside in Franklin Park NJ.
Interests:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I enjoy staying active and playing softball, basketball, football, and flag football.
Why I Play the Game:
I decided to try out for the NJ Titans because I wanted to be apart of a team. I was excited to see that their was a Women's Professional Football Team locally for me to be apart of and build new friendships and play a sport that is physically challenging.
Meet Kerissa DeCrenza
All my life I have dreamed of being a quarterback. Never allowed to play football because I was a girl, I was forced to accepted that, until last year when I heard about the New Jersey Titans. This is my first year, but so far it has been a great experience meeting other girls like me and being part of a team. In 2010 I get to live out my dream and I couldn't be more excited!
I grew up in Verplanck, NY and went to Hendrick Hudson High School. After graduating, I moved to Phoenix, AZ to get an associates degree in liberal arts. I currently reside in Peekskill, NY and enjoy playing bass guitar in my free time.
I am truly honored to be a part of the Titans and can't wait for the season to start!
