The Unofficial Wyckoff Women's Sports is celebrating its fifth season offering women ages 30 and up an opportunity to play sports in our community.
Marie Neal, a mother of four, began organizing the ladies sports teams in the spring of 2021.
"Once the pandemic restrictions were lifted, I thought it would be great to get outside, get fresh air, move our bodies and talk to people," said Marie.
Prior to the 2020 pandemic restrictions, Marie had organized a co-ed volleyball team.
"My friend Noreen Weidener asked me when I was arranging volleyball again, but, since it was almost spring, we decided to put together a women's softball league instead," recalls Marie.
Marie received permission from the Wyckoff Recreation Department to use the fields.
"We started with four teams and 48 players," said Marie. "This year we had eight teams; four competitive teams, and four recreation teams."
Marie said the reaction from the ladies at the end of the first season was "what can we do next."
Volleyball Season
After a summer hiatus, Marie organized woman's volleyball in the fall of 2021.
"We started with four teams and would schedule our games after the football teams had practice so we could play under the lights at Memorial Field," said Marie. "I remember having to wear hats and gloves to play because it became so cold but nobody cared."
Volleyball season begins in September and ends around the first or second week of November.
"Today, we play outdoors on the field at Eisenhower Middle School," said Marie. "We now have two conferences and a total of nine teams."
One conference is more recreational and includes four teams. The other more competitive conference has five teams.
"The competitive team has players who know how to bump, set and spike and can consistently get the ball over the net," explains Marie. "It's a more elevated play."
Adding a Winter Sport
Next, Marie focused on selecting a winter sport.
"Someone suggested basketball and I thought we're not 18 years old to run up and down the court," laughs Marie.
Instead, she decided to support a local business.
"I went to Bowlero in Fair Lawn and they were excited to get a woman's bowling league since so many leagues did not return after the pandemic," said Marie.
In February 2022, 25 alleys and more than 100 women rolled a bowling ball for strikes, spares, gutter balls and laughs.
"The only skill you need for bowling is the desire to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and have some laughs," said Marie. "The empty-nesters offer advice to the younger moms and they may even gain a new babysitter."
Marie's Sports Background
A Queens native, Marie played softball from 3rd through 8th grade and later for her work team in her late 20s for fun.
"In high school, I was a varsity gymnast and swimmer, and as an adult, I love to ski. These are all individual sports," says Marie. "So I especially enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing team sports now as an adult."
How to Join
Marie announces registration on the Facebook groups Wyckoff Moms and Wyckoffians and always relies on word of mouth to help recruit new participants.
"Ladies, get off the couch, make a new friend, get some fresh air, enjoy lots of laughs and connect with other women in our community," offers Marie.
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