Xuan Nguyen

D.C. Divas Logo
Season(s) Played with the Divas: 2014-2015
Jersey Number: 15
Position: LB
Age: 23
Height: 4-10
Weight: 120
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
High School: Springbrook HS (MD)
Occupation: Montgomery County DLC

Xuan Nguyen Q&A

Who is your biggest supporter?
My football family, and my sisters Truc Hamh and AJ.
Who is your favorite NFL player? Why?
Ray Lewis…he was a passionate, strong player and leader.
If you could have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose? Why?
Gary Bonner…he stopped from taking my life, but a week later he took his. I want to tell him I miss him and ask him why.
What are your favorite hobbies or special interests?
Playing volleyball, playing in football rec leagues, working out, and hanging out with my Husky, Maddox.
What is your favorite food?
Seafood.
What is your favorite travel location?
Florida or Hawaii.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Pink and Good Charlotte…when I feel like I need help or time to breathe, they help me push on.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Kind, caring, strong.
What are your lifetime aspirations?
To help people and make others understand we weren’t born to make money or watch others suffer, but we were born to enjoy life as we coexist.
What was the first sport you ever played?
Volleyball.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My sister and I played our last flag football tournament together, and I changed positions and had to defend a receiver. I tipped the ball for an interception in the championship game.
What was your biggest adjustment to playing women’s football?
I’m allowed to throw my body around more than in flag football, so I’ve had to learn stop hesitating.
If you could play any other position, which one would you choose? Why?
Running back…I was always a strong defender in flag football, and I love defense very much. But I’ve never had a chance to play offense, and I am not afraid of being tackled. Defense is still my favorite, but I would enjoy being able to play some offense.
What is your most memorable Divas moment?
Against the Chicago Force in 2014, we kicked off to start the game. I contained the Chicago returner who had the ball, and Tasha Lemke made a great tackle and forced a fumble. Eleni Kotsis fell on it in the end zone for our first touchdown, ten seconds into the game.
Why do you play women’s tackle football?
Because I love the sport. Football has been a part of my life since 2011, and the joy it brings to my life saved me. I started playing football the day after a tragic moment in my life, and I will never forget how the love for football filled my body and how much pain and sadness left me that day. It was also the same day that my sister and I went from feeling nothing towards each other to being the sisters we are now. She has taught me so much. Who knew this one sport would change my life?
What does it mean to you to be a D.C. Diva?
It means a lot! I’ve been told who I can’t be and what I can’t do for the majority of my life, but all that tells me is that I am the only one who can make myself happy.