Hi! I'm Tara - a writer, former special education teacher and behavior specialist, and diehard San Francisco 49ers fan. I live in Northeastern Pennsylvania with my mom, our dog, PJ, and my cat, Lyric. I love singing, musical theater, reading, film, country music, and anything sparkly. 

 

My football fandom began when I was a teenager and turned on the television just as the camera zoomed in on 49ers quarterback Joe Montana. One look at those baby-blue eyes and that toothpaste-commercial smile, and it was love at first sight. I may have started watching football because of that beautiful boy, but it wasn't long before I fell in love with the game itself - the strategy, the rivalries, the perfectly thrown spirals, the impossible comebacks, and the way one play can send an entire fan base from despair to delirium.

 

It wasn’t long before I was accessorizing miniskirts and heels with a 49ers helmet necklace. At the time, there weren’t a lot of female football fans. And when I would try to talk to guys about football, I was often met with skepticism or derision. I was an enigma – a girly girl who not only loved football, but understood it. 

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Decades later, I'm still proof that a woman can love football without trading in the parts of herself the sports world doesn't always expect. I can appreciate a great pass rush and a fabulous pair of off-white 49ers cowgirl boots. I can have strong opinions about coaching decisions and still want to look cute on game day. None of these things cancel the others out. I’m grateful for all the doubters now because it motivated me to learn everything I could about the game and my team. Little did I realize that football and the San Francisco 49ers would become my lifeline.

 

More than twenty years ago, a head injury caused me to develop Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. My life changed almost overnight. I went from working in a career I loved and pursuing a master's degree to being bedridden, and for much of the past decade, I've been homebound. During this time, the 49ers have become my inspiration and motivation with their determination, resilience, and never-give-up attitude.

 

I created Fierce Fangirl to talk about football from a perspective that isn't always represented: a knowledgeable female fan who loves both football and beauty products. I’ll share my opinion on the NFL’s biggest stories, explore who the players and coaches are both on and off the field, and highlight the unforgettable moments that occur during the season. Whether you've watched football for forty years or you're just watching to cheer on Taylor’s husband, Travis Kelce, you're welcome in this huddle.

 

So, throw on your favorite game day outfit, grab a snack, and let’s get this game started!