Quite possibly the most underrated player in the history of indoor female football, Jacksonville Breeze quarterback Kathryn “KK” Matheny is an ambassador for the game wherever she plays. Only 5’2”, Matheny is a spitfire, a pocket rocket, who brings the heart of a giant to the gridiron.
Among a group of Breeze players whose playing tenure dates back to its time in Tampa, Matheny has emerged as a franchise player. During the 2011 campaign, Matheny was among the finalists for the Offensive Player of the Year Award. She would follow it up with an All-Conference selection in 2013.
Left to right: Breeze players Saige Steinmetz, KK Matheny and Adrian Purnell make the move to Jacksonville (Image obtained from: http://www.jaxrestaurantreviews.com/events/legends-football-league-returns-jacksonville/#.VBhcAPldXm8)
Following a strong 2014 regular season, which saw the Jacksonville Breeze compete against the Atlanta Steam in the Eastern Conference championship game, Matheny is ready to bring her game down under, joining the Victoria Maidens. Among a group of US import players competing in Australia, Matheny shall be joined by teammate Saige Steinmetz, along with Las Vegas Sin team captain Danika Brace and Seattle Mist running back (and 2013 Pacific Cup MVP) Stevi Schnoor.
No stranger to Australia, Matheny was part of a tour of US players who competed in a series of All-Star games there. Part of the Eastern Conference All-Star team in 2012, she was joined by Breeze teammate Liz Gorman, playing in venues such as Allphones Arena in Sydney.
While Matheny only logged 89 yards through the air in 2014, her experience and poise made her an invaluable leader for the Breeze offensive attack. The rapport between her and Steinmentz (who have been teammates for over three seasons) should translate into a memorable season for the Maidens.
Australian fans should prepare to be spoiled by a quarterback that has established herself as a star in the football mad state of Florida. Having competed in flag football at the University of West Florida (based in Pensacola, FL), her list of accomplishments are impressive. Having appeared in the national finals three years in a row, she won championships in 2006 and 2008.
She would also show great versatility in her game at West Florida, earning All-America nods on offense in 2006 and 2008, along with All-America recognition on defense in 2007. This was complemented by MVP honors at the first-ever NIRSA National Flag Football Championships along with All-Tournament honors at the 2006 UF Swamp Bowl. Such efforts have culminated with nomination into the Flag Football Hall of Fame.
Although indoor female football brings with it an association of sex appeal, it would be a mistake to underestimate Matheny as just a pretty face. Like so many of her teammates and rivals, they are college educated athletes whose approach to the game is a serious one, defined by a love of the game. As a side note, Matheny has also participated in fundraising for Breast Cancer research and is active in her local church.
Her dedication and maturity have made her a valued member of the Breeze franchise for the last several seasons. Such qualities will likely lead towards serving as a good friend and mentor for the novice Australian players suiting up for the Maidens this season. As so much of the game’s experience stems from the friendships and the preparations that occur off the field, Maidens players could not have asked for a better group than Matheny, Steinmetz, Schnoor and Brace.
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