Divas to kick off season Saturday

Home opener scheduled April 26 against Baltimore

Two years ago, the team capped a perfect season by capturing the National Women’s Football Association championship. Last year, they went undefeated in eight games after moving to the tougher Independent Women’s Football League before losing to eventual champion Atlanta in the playoffs.

One of the primary reasons for the Divas’ success over the last four years has been the play of quarterback Allison Hamlin, a Prince George’s County police detective and graduate of Eleanor Roosevelt High School and the University of Maryland. The University Park resident has handled both roles with preparation and professionalism.

‘‘Both positions require the same amount of dedication and confidence,” Hamlin said. ‘‘Each day with the force is different from the last, but with the Divas, it can be just as exciting and just as challenging.”

Other key contributors for the Divas include running back Rachel Pecovsky-Bentley, wide receiver Tara Kallal, return specialist Kathryn Hemlock and defensive stalwarts Ivy Tillman, Trigger McNair, Alison Fischer and Tarlesha Wayne.

In addition to Hamlin, county residents Crystal Boyd, Melanie George, Kimberly Hall, Yakeisha Hines, Lauren Pruitt, Michelle Windsor, Devoralyn Savage and Dameka Reese are also listed on the Divas’ roster. Boyd graduated from DuVal High School and Prince George’s Community College, Hall graduated from Bowie State University, while Pruitt attended Howard University and later earned her degree from Georgetown University’s law school.

Two months ago, the Divas lost one vital member of their organization when team trainer Nate Randolph was killed in a multi-car accident on I-295 near East Capitol Street. Randolph, who owned Allied Physical Therapy, where many of the Divas worked out, had joined the organization to be closer to his daughter, wide receiver Natalie Randolph.

E-mail Ted Black at tblack@gazette.net.

D.C. Divas 2008 Schedule

Saturday — at Boston, 6April 26 — Baltimore, 7May 3 — at Pittsburgh, 7May 17 — at Central (Pa.), 4May 24 — Central (Pa.), 7May 31 — Baltimore, 7June 7 — at New York, 3:30June 14 — Pittsburgh, 7June 28 — Playoffs begin, TBA

*— home games at Sports & Learning Complex, Landover