Nancy Erickson of Arcadia, Florida has been named the Woman of the Month for October 2023 by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) in recognition of her significant achievements and contributions in the field of sports.
Erickson is known as a trailblazer for women’s sports, particularly during the era of Title IX. She had a remarkable career in baseball and softball before venturing into the world of women’s professional tackle football at the age of 35, where she excelled as a middle linebacker for the Toledo Troopers.
Following her season with the Toledo Troopers, Nancy made her mark in Florida, serving as the inaugural recreation supervisor for Arcadia and DeSoto County. During her tenure, she established the state’s first inclusive girls’ junior high softball team and continued to advocate for girls’ sports teams in the local area. As an avid supporter of the implementation of Title IX in local schools, she played a crucial role in promoting equity in sports and education for young women.
In addition to her work in sports, Nancy and her partner operated the H&R Block in DeSoto County for nearly two decades before retiring in 1992. Today, Nancy engages in public speaking and conducts workshops with high schools, colleges, sports teams, and elite sports organizations, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience.
Erickson’s outstanding career has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards. She was an integral part of the Toledo Troopers, who were World Champions in the NWFL from 1971 to 1977. Additionally, she has been honored with awards such as the Annette Lynch Lifetime Achievement Award in Coaching from Special Olympics North America and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Arcadia Recreation Department for Community Service.
In 2014, Nancy and her Troopers teammates were inducted into the Women’s Football Foundation Hall of Fame, and she is also prominently featured in the documentary “We are the Troopers: The Women of the Winningest Team in Pro Football History.”
Nancy earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1966 and is passionate about golfing, her involvement in the Special Olympics, and camping in her leisure time.
P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) is an organization and online community that aims to provide a powerful network of women who will mentor, inspire, and empower each other to be the best they can be. The organization features a digital and exclusive print magazine, P.O.W.E.R. Magazine, which showcases celebrities and everyday hardworking professional women. Through its valuable services and collaborations with like-minded professionals, P.O.W.E.R. members have the opportunity to gain recognition and exposure, as well as obtain knowledge from those who have already achieved success.
Nancy Erickson’s remarkable journey and significant impact in the world of sports make her a deserving recipient of the Woman of the Month award for October 2023. Her dedication, perseverance, and advocacy for women’s sports have left an indelible mark on the industry and have inspired countless individuals.
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