King has established herself as force in IWFL

It seems as though everything Jennifer King sets her mind on doing, she does, and she does it as well, if not better, than anyone else.
Following a stellar prep career in basketball and softball at Rockingham County High School and as a standout at Guilford College, King has now become one of the best players in the Independent Women’s Football League.
In just her fourth season with the Carolina Phoenix, King was recently selected to her second IWFL All-Star Game and has helped guide the Phoenix to their third straight semifinal playoff appearance.
Following a 42-14 trouncing of Chattanooga, Carolina will now face Montreal in one of the two semifinal games July 10.
The break may seem like a crazy layoff for a team that has not lost a game all season, but for the Phoenix (9-0), it is much-needed time off to help with fund-raising so the team can make the long trip to Canada.
Two years ago, the Phoenix were unsuccessful in their semifinal voyage to Montreal.
“It’s good because it gives us a chance to fund-raise, and it helps with injuries and gives people time to heal up,” said King, who also coaches basketball at Greensboro College and is a personal trainer at The Rush in Greensboro.
For the past three seasons, King has waited to be able to make the transition from quarterback to wide receiver, and this offseason it seemed as though that would finally happen.
However, when starting QB Mia Nance was injured, the coaching staff called upon King to step into her old position.
Heading into the 2010 playoffs, King had amassed 772 yards passing, 367 yards rushing and had scored 26 touchdowns – including two scores on kick returns.
King had 14 passing TDs against just 2 interceptions and 10 rushing TDs and averaged 52.4 yards per game.
“If you’re going to do something, why not be the best?” she said.
Carolina is coached by Tim Holmes, a Durham native, who played college football at Appalachian State and also played semi-pro football.
Prior to coming to the Phoenix, Holmes coached men’s professional football, but left that behind in 2008.
New to the team this season is an offensive coordinator. James Brown, who played college football at Ohio State, has been an added blessing, according to King.
“In years past, the head coach was calling offense and defense, so when you came off the field I really didn’t have anyone I could go over stuff with,” she said.
The Phoenix have also added a defensive backs’ coach/defensive assistant coach – Terence Gary – this season.
While the offense has been piling on the points, the Carolina defense has seen the most improvement.
In 9 games, the defense has allowed a total of 50 points – 5.6 per game. After nine games last season, the Phoenix had allowed 91 points.
King, 26, admits that the team’s 22-20 victory over Baltimore – a Tier I team – was a signature win for the franchise.
“That was a step up for us and a good win,” she said. “They were one of the fastest teams we’ll play.”
Carolina is a Tier II team, as are Montreal, Wisconsin and Bay Area.
Wisconsin and Bay Area will meet in the other Tier II semifinal game.
Last season, it was Wisconsin that ended Carolina’s championship game hopes, 28-6.
“The players seemed more focused after losing two times in the semis,” said King. “We have more experience on the team, and having more coaches definitely helps.”
According to the IFWL Website, the league was founded in 2000 by a group of women dedicated to making the sport a household name. The IWFL currently has more than 1,600 women playing the sport for 51 teams across North America, from Southern California to Montreal and Washington to Florida, with consistent expansion into new markets.
And with a second straight All-Star game nomination, King would gladly give up the invitation for a chance to play in the championship game.
Both games are the same weekend in Round Rock, Texas.
Last season, King was named Offensive MVP for the Eastern team at the All-Star game.