Odessa Jenkins: From South Central L.A. Streets To The Global Sports Arena
Odessa Jenkins grew up in South Central Los Angeles, an area not known yet as a breeding ground serious sports talent. But, she's always been a fierce force in advocating women's sports. As a kid, she was out there on those fields, playing football and basketball with her cousins. Sure, she faced her fair share hard knocks, like discrimination and some tough times at home, but her drive was unstoppable. Jenkins's grit and determination paid off, and she shone bright as one top athletes her high school.
Her skills on court earned her a Division I basketball scholarship with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. But Jenkins wasn't done. She kept pushing, joining a professional women's football league and rising as one best running backs around, leading Team USA through numerous championships like it was no big deal.
Breaking new ground in women's sports
This year, Jenkins has set her sights on smashing a record — drawing in record-breaking crowds at a women's football event. The Women's National Football Conference (WNFC), which she founded, its sixth season running, and it's about make history. The WNFC IX Championship Cup's happening on June 21 in Frisco, Texas, right at Dallas Cowboys' HQ. Even better? It airs live on ESPN2, another notch women's football belt.
Jenkins, who's open about her queer identity, shared a bit about her journey recently. Her passion? The game and an ever-expanding community she's determined create.
A childhood fueled by sports
Sports were a big deal Jenkins growing up. "I fell in love with sports as a kid," she fondly recalls. "Playing outside with family, cousins, brothers — it connected us. Everyone was playing, and I wanted part it. That's where my passion started, with heart.”
Shattering barriers in women's sports
Jenkins's journey's not been without its hurdles, but she's relentless in her fight change things. "Coming from South Central L.A., I had work hard get past obstacles,” she reflects. "I've never understood why it had be so tough. I want ensure women now don't face same battles. We can change this, staying active and keeping momentum going.”
Her days are whirlwind media spots, football drills, and introducing WNFC fresh audiences. She's also working with athletes get their stories heard and secure sponsorships. “It's hectic leading up championship weekend, but that's just football,” she notes.
Uplifting young women athletes
Jenkins also founded Got Her Back, a charity aimed at helping young girls break through football. "After WNFC launched in 2019, a dad reached out about his daughter needing support a football player. We jumped in and helped, leading us realize we could do more. Now Got Her Back thousands kids, helping them stay involved and feel valued."
Finding perfect spot championship event
Why Frisco, Texas, you ask? The choice was spot on, with its robust sports culture and amazing facilities. “Frisco has what we need,” Jenkins explains. “Football's popular with boys here, and we're working cultivate same enthusiasm girls and women's football.”
Nailing major broadcast agreements
Scoring a deal with ESPN2? That's big, showing just how solid WNFC's brand and marketing are. “Our game's top-tier professional,” says Jenkins. “That streaming deal with Victory Plus was critical, proving ESPN we're legit. Our rapid growth, especially on social media, keeps expanding reach.”
Looking ahead, Jenkins sees women's football becoming just as commonplace as other major leagues. “I firmly believe WNFC will be sports' big thing. Women enthusiastic about contact sports. It's exciting. WNFC games soon be as regular your sports schedule, right alongside other big league events. There's work ahead, but we've got bright future.”
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