So Cal Scorpions Mourn the Loss of Star Player

March 16, 2005 - Women's Professional Football League (WPFL)
SoCal Scorpions News Release


San Diego, CA – When they take the field, they know they face risk and reward. They know that they may face a loss: a loss on the scoreboard, not the loss they faced when they heard the news.

On March 14, Offensive Line veteran player, # 62 Juanita Smith succumbed to a fatal heart attack in her sleep.

"This is a complete shock to the entire Scorpion family" stated team owner, Ann Bagala.

"Juanita was a very special person to me, and such a giving person to her team mates, an everyone she knew" added Bagala.

Smith, was about to enter her third season with the Scorpions, and her fourth year as a veteran women's professional football player.

"You never seem to understand why it's always the good ones" stated Coach Mike Suggett.

Smith was 43 years old, and is survived by two children, a sister, and her mother Dolores. She was also the Director of Security at Loews Coronado Resort, and in the football off-season played softball in the AFCSL.

Smith donated several hours to community organizations as a player for the Scorpions.

For recent photos of Smith, visit the Scorpions website at www.socalscorpions.com.



Women's Professional Football League Stories from March 16, 2005


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