Congratulations to Brandie and the Cincinnati Cougars who will be playing in the Division 3 National Championships Friday, July 26th at 2 pm. You can stream the game against the New Mexico Banitas live on the @wfafootball YouTube page: https://youtube.com/@wfafootball?si=MxZgiIt1RCnf5kv2
Brandie Preston is a care manager on the Homeless Act Team at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS). She is also a proud member of the Cincinnati Cougars, a women’s tackle football team dedicated to breaking barriers and making a difference.
From a young age, Brandie embraced her love for sports. Starting with t-ball and basketball, she later went on to play volleyball and fast-pitch softball. Sports were always a big part of Brandie’s life, and that is still true today as she umpires, participates in softball, and now plays tackle football.
Originally, Brandie started out on the sidelines taking photos but was eventually pulled onto the field. Brandie fell in love, not only with the sport but also with the team members who embrace diversity and celebrate individuality.
Off the field, Brandie’s impact extends far beyond the realm of sports. As a member of the Homeless ACT team she dedicates her time and energy to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The team focuses on serving individuals struggling with chronic mental illness and homelessness to ensure they receive the housing and mental support they need to thrive.
Brandie and the other members of the Homeless ACT team work to make tangible differences in people’s lives. Through their roles, they are able to provide support, treatment, and most importantly, hope to the people in the community who need it most.
Just as Brandie values caring for her community, so does the team she belongs to. The Cincinnati Cougars are more than just a football team. They are a family devoted to welcoming players from all backgrounds and skill levels to break down some of the barriers and stereotypes found in women’s sports. They hope to create an environment where every player feels valued and supported to reach their full potential.
As a member of the Cincinnati Cougars, Brandie has found a place where she can not only develop her skills on the field, but also be a positive role model as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
“Growing up, I never saw women like me represented in male-dominated sports. Football gives me an opportunity to be that role model for the next generation of girls who want to pursue sports.” -Brandie Preston
Both on and off the field, Brandie and her teammates continue to prove that sports are more than just games. They bring people together, build communities, and create positive change.
You can learn more about the Cincinnati Cougars HERE and their schedule can be found below. Home games start at 7 pm and are played at Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati with tickets being available on their website.
