WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 12, 2015 — Like most college students, West Liberty University student Rose Christian is getting ready to return to campus and the books. But unlike most, her summer included the thrill of being part of the professional world of sports as a member of the Pittsburgh Passion which won its second world championship recently.
Pittsburgh Passion is a member of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). The championship game against the Utah Falcons took place in Rock Hill, S.C. and was covered by Pittsburgh sports writers in both the Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review.
Rosie is shown with Steeler football legend and Pittsburgh Passion owner Franco Harris.
“It’s basically the superbowl for women. We have been undefeated for two years straight making us now 22-0,” Christian stated. Homefield for the Passion is Cupples Stadium, located in the South Side of Pittsburgh.
Originally from Smithfield, Ohio, Christian now lives in Steubenville.
The back-to-back wins by the Passion earned the team huge accolades for consecutive perfect seasons. Owned by Hall of Famer Franco Harris and Teresa Conn, the Passion has been around since 2002. Conn also is co-head coach with Harvey Smith and co-owner Harris.
Rosie, as her teammates call her, played inside and outside linebacker and started as part of the kickoff team. Standing only five feet five and weighing in at 155 pounds, she’s one of the smaller defensive players in the league — but her versatility is strong.
As far as injuries go, she only got injured once, when she took a low hit to the back that sidelined her two weeks. Otherwise she played in the nine other games of her rookie season and earned an official IWFL championship ring that she proudly wears.
Christian runs and works out at Planet Fitness in Steubenville to stay fit during off season. She also works part time at Applebee’s in Steubenville.
Wearing the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Passion, WLU student Rosie Christian is proud to be a member of the IWFL.
A criminal justice major, she loves sports and participated in basketball at Buckeye Local High School. Due to her commitment to the Passion, she can’t participate in sports on the Hilltop but she is a huge fan of Hilltopper Athletics.
Christian was adopted at age 10 and is pleased to claim two moms, her adopted mother Mary Christian of Smithfield and birth mom Peggy Sims of Steubenville. Her two dads are Sheridan Christian (deceased) and Duane Sims of Steubenville.
She’s proud to be a part of women’s football and continues to train in hopes that one day she might make the Olympics, if and when women’s football is approved for the international arena.
She’s also happy to share the joy of athletics with other women and especially youngsters.
Serious moment on the sidelines.
“I just want to share this achievement with campus because I represented for my school, family, friends, and all the girls and women who wish they could have this opportunity. It was a great experience,” she said.
Her season isn’t quite over yet since the World Champion Passion team members will be meeting with Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto on Aug. 24. They’ll be honored with plaques and fanfare.
“It was such an honor to play for a team that is owned by a sports legend like Franco Harris and coached by Teresa Conn. It’s more than just a game for me. The other players are like my sisters. We’re so close we use the hashtag #istandbymysisters on our social media posts,” she said. “I love playing for this organization.
Christian will have to try out again for the team in September. But with her enthusiasm and experience, she should do well.
To keep up to date on the Pittsburgh Passion during the offseason, you can go to pittsburghpassion.com, or like them on Facebook and follow the team on Twitter @pghpassionFB.
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