Samantha Linda Sami Grisafe (born March 26, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, women’s football player, activist, and actor. She has made significant contributions in both the music industry and women’s sports, becoming a symbol of empowerment and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Grisafe released her debut studio album, Atlantis, in 2012. The album featured eleven upbeat pop tracks that showcased her powerhouse voice. Atlantis received six Grammy pre-nominations, reflecting the quality and artistry of Grisafe’s music. Notably, the album featured collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artists such as blues artist Sugar Blue (known for his work with the Rolling Stones) and producer Ricciano Lumpkins (known for his work with TLC, P.O.D., and Mya). Grisafe’s impressive musical abilities were recognized when she won the Chicago Music Award for Best Rock Entertainer in 2012, solidifying her status as a talented and captivating performer.
In addition to her musical career, Grisafe has made notable contributions to women’s football. She played a pivotal role in helping the United States capture the gold medal at the 2010 and 2013 IFAF Women’s World Championships. Grisafe’s skills and leadership on the field earned her the title of Tournament MVP at the 2013 IFAF Women’s World Games. Her passion and dedication to football were further showcased when she sang the National Anthem prior to the gold medal game in Finland. The performance went viral, gaining widespread acclaim for its powerful combination of sports and music.
Beyond her accomplishments in music and football, Grisafe is an avid activist and advocate for various causes. Her commitment to making a positive impact on society was recognized when she received the Dare2BDifferent award at the Action Icon Awards in Los Angeles, CA in Fall 2015. The award acknowledged Grisafe’s achievements in both football and music, highlighting her ability to inspire and challenge societal norms.
Grisafe’s journey to success began in Loma Linda, California, where she was born to Gregory and Kimberly Grisafe. Her parents were musicians who performed country music across the Southern California region, exposing Grisafe to the world of music from a young age. In her autobiographical song, Two of Hearts, Grisafe reflects on her childhood, accompanying her parents to their shows and experiencing the joy of music firsthand.
Although music played a significant role in Grisafe’s life, her focus and achievements were predominantly in sports during her formative years. She displayed exceptional talent in baseball and became the first girl in her hometown, Redlands, CA, to make a boy’s all-star team. Grisafe’s early success in sports continued when she embarked on her football journey in 1995. In her first-ever football game, Grisafe threw an impressive 12 out of 15 passes, setting the stage for her future in the sport.
Grisafe’s passion for performance extended beyond sports. She excelled in theater, winning first place in monologue performance at the California State Thespian Festival in 2002. In 2003, Grisafe received a performance scholarship and was named Homecoming Queen, further solidifying her status as a talented and well-rounded individual.
After receiving a scholarship from the Theatre Conservatory at Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University, Grisafe moved to Chicago to pursue her acting dreams. However, fate had other plans for her when she stumbled upon an article about the women’s tackle football team, the Chicago Force. Intrigued by the opportunity to continue playing football, Grisafe decided to try out for the team. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her a spot on the team, and she made her debut as the starting quarterback in her first game, just a day after graduating from college in the spring of 2007.
Grisafe’s journey as a musician and athlete was shaped by her determination, talent, and desire to challenge gender norms. Her accomplishments in both fields have left an indelible mark on society, serving as an inspiration to all those who dare to pursue their dreams and defy societal expectations.
Awards:
– Chicago Music Award for Best Rock Entertainer (2012)
– Dare2BDifferent award by the Action Icon Awards (2015)