Front-running female football: D.C. Divas running back Donna "The Animal" Wilkinson talks about tackling the pigskin.

The National Women's Football Association (CNFA) is in its fourth year, expanding from 10 to 37 teams. And heading the charge toward female tackle football is Donna Wilkinson, the 2003 NWFA's leading rusher. Wilkinson plays defensive end and fullback for the DC Divas, who were undefeated in the 2004 season. In the 2003 season, Wilkinson led the Divas in scoring 13 touchdowns, and became the only woman to be honored with the Washington Pig Skin Club "John W. Posey" Award. While the NWFA is still acquiring sponsorship, its players work full-time .jobs in addition to playing football. Wilkinson works as an Independent Wellness Consultant, helping people to live better, healthier lives without the need for medicine. But on the field, this 29-year-old transforms into "The Animal"--rushing, tackling and sacking.

Parks & Recreation: Why do they call you The Animal?

Donna Wilkinson: Because of my dominating running style skills. It was my first year, I had been playing on the defensive side of the ball and they moved me to play offensive. And I started running over people and so they started calling me the animal.

P&R: How did you get into football?

Wilkinson: Before tackle football, there were actually a lot of women flag leagues, and I played in some of the recreational flag football leagues for a couple of years. I heard there were women who were playing tackle football, [and] I knew there was a league that was playing. Then it was announced there would be a team in D.C. the following year.

P&R: And do you think that this sport is going to take off?

Wilkinson: I think that it's already taking off. We're working on TV contracts and we're really working very hard to get to the next level. As long as players are willing to work for little or no pay, I think we will be able to get to the next level.

P&R: Being out on the field, do you notice that other women have the same sort of aggression and passion that you?

Wilkinson: Everybody does. To play this sport, and to subject your body to that kind of pain--you wouldn't unless you really want to play.

P&R: Is there a lot of pain out there on the field?

Wilkinson: Yeah. When you finish a game--my body absolutely hurts. You just kind of feel old after a game. You go to bed early a lot, at least for the next couple of days.

P&R: Should park and recreation departments nationwide start implementing these kinds of programs for women at an earlier age?

Wilkinson: I think it's something that needs to start being developed earlier, because we have to pull athletes that played every other sport in high school and haven't had a chance to play football. You ask every player what their childhood dream is, and it is to play football. You don't realize how many young girls are out there that really want a chance to play. Just running camps that teach the basic skills and just giving them an opportunity to play, would be a great step forward.

P&R: You don't think that full-on contact sport at that age is dangerous for women?

Wilkinson: Women are already playing-in peewee leagues. It's required that if a girl wants to play, they should let her play And I think it's dangerous for a woman as it is for guy, it's going to be dangerous either way.

POR: There are a wide range of professions and ages on the team. What happens when you get on the field?

Wilkinson: We bleed maroon and gold. Once we put the pads on, 'are all have one goal and one objective and that's to be a family and to win some ball games.