Check Out Brittney Emerson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Emerson.

Hi Brittney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Two years ago, I started my own football team after hearing from players who had sworn they’d never step onto a field again—discouraged by negative coaching experiences in our area. I couldn’t stand the thought of kids giving up on a sport they once loved because of that, so I set out to create a different kind of team. What began as a small effort quickly grew into something much bigger—a true football family. Players and their families rediscovered their love for the game, and together we built a supportive, competitive environment where athletes could grow both on and off the field. Over the past two years, we’ve had two fall tackle seasons, where I served as an assistant coach, and two hybrid seasons, where I took on the role of head coach. Each season brought growth and success, but this most recent hybrid season was especially memorable. We opened at Mile High Stadium with an unforgettable win, finished with a 4–2 regular-season record, and celebrated players who have been with us since the very beginning. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible families who supported our vision and the encouragement of the NoCo Football League, who have stood behind me in my journey as a female head coach. Their belief made all the difference. Since starting this team, I’ve watched the ripple effect spread. Another family, inspired by our journey, launched their own program for younger athletes, which has now grown into multiple teams across different grade levels in our area. What began as a way to keep kids from giving up on football has turned into something I never could have imagined—a community, a legacy, and a reminder that the game is so much bigger than the score.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overcoming Obstacles, Building a Team
Starting this team was never easy. The challenges weren’t just about the paperwork and logistics that come with creating something new—it was also about proving that we belonged. From the very beginning, there were people in the community who doubted us, questioned our efforts, and even tried to tear us down simply because we were succeeding. It often felt like our entire team had to stand together, not only on the field, but against the resistance around us. We faced countless hurdles. Finding fields to practice on was a constant struggle. Securing sponsors to help cover registration costs so every player could afford to take the field took endless effort. And at times, we worried we wouldn’t even have enough players to form a full team. For me personally, one of the biggest challenges was stepping into the role of head coach as a woman in a sport where female coaches are still so rare. Walking into games, I often felt the hesitation in other coaches’ eyes when they realized I was the head coach. Some questioned me outright, and a few even refused to shake my hand after a game. Those moments could have been discouraging, but I learned not to take them personally. Instead, I let them fuel my determination to prove that passion, knowledge, and leadership—not gender—define a coach. Every obstacle we overcame made our team stronger. The players, the families, and the entire football community we’ve built stand as proof that perseverance and belief in something bigger than yourself can truly change lives. What started as an uphill battle has become something deeply rewarding: a family united by the love of the game and the resilience to rise above every challenge.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I look back on my coaching journey, what I’m most proud of isn’t just the wins or the milestones—it’s the team we built and the culture we created. In the Ault area, we started as “the non-HRA football team,” a group that came together with one goal: to give players a better experience and help them grow. Over time, we earned a reputation for talented athletes, teamwork, and heart. One of my favorite parts of that journey was having a female player on our roster for both hybrid seasons. From day one, the boys on the team made sure she was taken seriously, not only among themselves but by every opponent we faced. That respect, that sense of unity, is what makes me the proudest. I am deeply proud of my players. They never questioned me as their coach, despite the stigma that still exists in a male-dominated sport. Instead, they showed me respect, dedication, and the kind of sportsmanship that I believe all athletes should carry, no matter the game. Watching them embody those values on and off the field has been more rewarding than any scoreboard could ever show. In many ways, what sets me apart is that I’ve chosen not one, but two male-dominated paths: football and my career as a DOT/compliance manager in the oilfield. In both, I refuse to let being a woman hold me back. Instead, I use it as motivation to lead with strength, to earn respect, and to prove that passion and commitment matter far more than gender. That, above all else, is what I’m proud of—knowing that I’ve helped create a space where players feel supported, respected, and inspired to love the game again.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
With the growth of girls’ flag football, we are seeing more young women actively involved in youth sports. As these athletes continue to develop, I believe many of them will transition into leadership roles and become the coaches we see on the sidelines in the future.

Image Credits
Ninas art