As the world of women’s football continues to grow, so too do the opportunities to tackle other aspects of life. One such unique example is Stormy Keffeler of the LFL’s Seattle Mist. Competing in the 2014 Miss Washington USA beauty pageant, she is looking to become the first female football player to participate in the pageant’s semi-finals.

March 2013: Keffeler (left) was crowned Miss Washington Miss while Claire Sorgen of Sultan was crowned Miss Washington Preteen at the annual Miss Washington International Junior Miss pageant. Image obtained from: http://www.monroemonitor.com/2013/03/12/sky-valley-girls-take-pageant-titles/
March 2013: Keffeler (left) was crowned Miss Washington Miss while Claire Sorgen of Sultan was crowned Miss Washington Preteen at the annual Miss Washington International Junior Miss pageant. Image obtained from: http://www.monroemonitor.com/2013/03/12/sky-valley-girls-take-pageant-titles/

Hailing from Monroe, Washington, she was one of the Mist’s rookies during their historic 2013 season which saw them grab their first division title. Trying out amongst a field of 500 women, she grabbed a hard-earned spot and was penciled in as a centre and linebacker. In three games, Keffeler accumulated 2.5 tackles in limited playing time. Her next appearance will be at the second annual Pacific Cup on December 6, the LFL’s only interleague contests, where Seattle will attempt to defeat the BC Angels for the second straight season.

Prior to football, Keffeler spent her youth on the diamond. As the starting catcher on Olympic College’s softball team, she was also the squad’s tallest player. Competing with OC as a freshman, she helped the squad qualify for its fifth consecutive postseason appearance.
Earlier in the year, Keffeler managed to win another prestigious beauty pageant. Crowned as Miss Washington Miss at the annual Miss Washington International Junior Miss pageant, she will travel to Virginia Beach in the summer to compete for the title of International Junior Miss.

Image obtained from: http://www.lflus.com/seattlemist
Image obtained from: http://www.lflus.com/seattlemist

Having won approximately 100 beauty pageants, her biggest challenge may be covering up the bumps and bruises that come with competing on the diamond and the gridiron. Other titles in her storied pageant career include Ultimate Grand Supreme Double Header Regal Majesty, Fabulous Faces Washington and Universal Miss 18-21 Grand Supreme.

Keffeler attempting to tag out Bellevue’s Natasha Kiesel in NWAACC softball play (Image by: Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun)
Keffeler attempting to tag out Bellevue’s Natasha Kiesel in NWAACC softball play (Image by: Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun)

While Keffeler juggles the athletic and beauty pageant commitments, she is also pursuing a career in broadcasting. With so many women like Lynsday Petruny and Nicole Zaloumis breaking barriers as on-air personalities with the NFL, it would come as no surprise if Keffeler could one day reach that summit. Also a volunteer for the Bearcat Mini Cheer Association, she wants to promote the importance of fitness among youth.

With online voting, the results will decide if she can make history as the first day of the pageant is on October 18. Representing Sky Valley USA, the field of competition is high. Regardless of the outcome, her contributions to the community and to women’s sports embody the spirit of ambition, dedication and sportsmanship. These are qualities that make her more than just a role model for young girls but a champion in the hearts and minds of her fans.