Today we’d like to introduce you to Pa Xiong (right) And Surina Lee (left) from Blitz Womens Flag Football
Hi Pa Xiong and Surina Lee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Blitz started in 2006 when flag football became official in the Hmong community for women. That same year, Blitz became the first women’s team to ever win in the Minnesota July 4th Freedom Festival. We were founded by a group of women who wanted to show their visibility and to prove that we could mark in a sport of flag football. In total, Blitz has won eight of the Minnesota July 4th titles: in 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. We’ve created a team that allows young women within the age range of 12-40+ to test their athletic abilities, experience healthy competition, and form an everlasting sisterhood. We have gotten this far from a common commitment and passion for flag football shared by 30+ women. We overcame the trials and tribulations through hard work, having a positive winning mindset, and being confident in what we do. If you are interested, we are recruiting every year during February through March for the season and have an average of two practices per week.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every season brings different challenges and obstacles. We had a core group of women who retired after our “4peat” at the MN July 4th Freedom Festival, and Blitz has been rebuilding since — with our younger players. With rebuilding, we are striving to form each player’s skills, IQ of football, and confidence. Another challenge would be losing girls due to injuries that may occur. Blitz is currently preparing for the 2025 season by recruiting, fundraising, holding practices, and looking for sponsors who are interested in providing sponsorship towards tournament fees and equipment. If you’re interested in flag football or interested in sponsoring the team, please reach out to us on our social media!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Blitz competes competitively in 9v9 community tournaments, with the exception of 6v6 when Wausau, Wisconsin hosts a tournament end of July. We have three major tournaments every season; usually held around the Memorial, July 4th, and Labor Day holidays. Blitz is known for being one of the top MN teams and also being the only remaining team from the 2006 cohort. We are most proud of our championships and accomplishments, and what makes it great is our players’ dedication to the game. I think our record and the legacy that we have created speaks for itself when it comes to what sets us apart from others. Fun fact: Our community’s teams have competed against the U.S. Women’s Flag Football team’s alternate QB, Lacey’s team for many years.
I, Surina, play as defensive end as a 4th year now. As Blitz’s newest captain, I would like to work towards providing a positive, inclusive, and supportive team environment. I hope to continue being a supportive, friendly, and loving teammate just as I always have been. I am most proud of the legacy that we carry, all of the new girls and returning girls’ who continues to come back year after year. What has set us up differently than others is our playing style. We are always encouraging for adaptation and building a mental toughness with our players.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being with the team and creating memories together makes me happy, whether that is at practice or during tournaments. I love seeing the teamwork and support from my teammates as well as the opportunity to stay active and competitive. The energy we bring to the field and the adrenaline rush is also unforgettable. It’s super cool to see how much we’ve all improved individually and as a team. – Pa
Being part of a sisterhood, sharing the same passion while focusing on the same goal that your teammates have, striving to win tournaments while experiencing all the struggles of how physically and mentally demanding this sport may be is what makes it worth being here year after year. The endorphins and adrenaline that comes with the excitement of the game keeps me coming back for more. Building a legacy to inspire future women that Blitz has created brings me great joy knowing that there is such a great identity and purpose with such a meaningful sense of pride that comes with this amazing team. – Surina
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blitz.hwff?igsh=MTFvY3E0enBuZ2Eyeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/blitz.hwff/
Image Credits
Karmaa Vang Photography
