In high school, Alex McAtee made history. She became the first female in West Virginia to play quarterback during a varsity high school game. The Harrison County native is now making her mark nationally, as part of the Pittsburgh Passion, which is a team in the professional Women’s Football Alliance. 

 

The team, partially owned by Pittsburgh Steelers great Franco Harris,= has made some history of their own. They were the first women’s football franchise to broadcast games on a major network, the first to be featured in Sports Illustrated and on ESPN,  and are now the most recognized women’s full-contact football franchise in the world.  They have won the National Championship and four Divisional Championships and have showcased the talents of many athletes who have gone on to win national awards as well. 

 

So, how did a 4’11” girl from Clarksburg end up playing professional football?  Her tattoo says it all. 

 

McAtee claims she is the biggest Steelers fan ever and, as she says, was born to be a jock. McAtee helped lead South Harrison High School to the only state title in its history as an all-state shortstop for the Hawks. She also played soccer and basketball, but her greatest love was always football. 

 

“I always played.  From flag to Pop Warner to middle school and even as a freshman in high school,” said McAtee.  “My goal was to be (Steelers Quarterback) Big Ben (Roethlisberger), but since I was only 4’11” and couldn’t see over the line, I gave up on football and concentrated on soccer for the rest of high school.”

 

Her absence from the sport didn’t last long. 

 

“I found out about Pittsburgh Passion while I was in high school and I was determined to try out after graduation. My first year, I made the practice team, but injuries from a car accident derailed my season.  After that, I went back more determined than ever and I have been playing for four  years and loving it,” she said.

 

McAtee’s parents, Sonya and Bill, couldn’t be more proud.

 

“I love looking up and seeing my family and friends from back home at the games,” she said.

 

Sporting a #2 jersey, the defensive back has proven her dedication to the sport. 

 

“In the beginning, I was driving back and forth from Clarksburg. Then, after my accident, I took a series of buses to make it to the games,” said McAtee, who was injured during one of those trips in a car accident.  

 

Now, McAtee is part of an all-star team who plays to crowds of nearly 5,000 at Pittsburgh’s George K. Cupples Stadium.

 

“Alex is an outstanding athelete,” said Teresa Conn, co-owner of the team.  “For her size, she is fast and fearless, making her quite an asset on the field.  Like myself, Alex moved to the city to play football.  Once you are part of the team, accomplishing a goal together, it becomes about so much more than football.”