THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
THE CEDAR RAPTORS
INTRODUCING THE RAPTORS
Meet the Players
The Passionate. The Dedicated. The Redemption.
Announcing Season 2 of the Cedar Raptors Football Players. They are here to show Cedar Rapids, and the rest of the world, what they can do with hard work, training, and an endless level of team spirit.
#0
Bayanna "Bay" Berry
I have experience I played in elementary/middle school. I wrestle, I played softball, I ran track and field, I played basketball nd I played football. Football was the very first sport I played with boys and it was full contact and I was very good at it I’m in love with the sport I haven’t played inna while but they said football is like music once u learn da melody it won’t leave ya mind/body im just happy to get another shot to play. When bay get on the field she “standing on business”.
#1
Parker Belthuis
My name is Parker, my pronouns are they/them, I am the center and one of the linebackers for the Raptors. This is my first year playing football, but I was always a four sport athlete all through high school. I wrestled for many years and those experiences definitely translate into football. In my free time you can find me putting in extra work, I’m always trying to become a better player and person. I also do stage crew for some local artists, so I’m never not busy! I haven’t lived in Cedar Rapids for very long, so it’s just me and my cat, Sprout, but I’m liking the area and the people so far! I’m looking forward to stepping on the field as #1 this season, excited to grow and learn with this brand new team!
#2
Lizzy Stark
Liz is a welder from Pittsburg who lives with her dog, Maverick, in a converted warehouse. She always aspired to become a semi professional football player, but had no formal training and works as a nightly cabaret performer at Mawby's, a neighborhood bar and grill. Lacking family, Liz bonded with her coworkers at Mawby's, some of whom also aspired to greater artistic achievements. One night, Liz caught the eye of customer Bridget Karsten the owner of the steel mill where she works. After learning that Liz is one of her employees, Bridget pursues her on the job, though Liz turns down her advances. Liz was also approached by Que who wanted her to play on his nearby team. So she went and tackled her way right into the hearts of the most prestigious women's football league owners.
#3
Kim Ellis
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#4
Imonie Eicher
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#5
Anique Adams
.
#6
Bria Lenten
.
#7
Shashanna "Lo" Dunlap
.
#8
Ramerra Lacey
This is my second year being able to enjoy, learn, and fulfill a dream playing tackle football. In school I was involved in basketball, dance, a little volleyball, and track. Since middle school football was a sport I wanted to learn to play outside of flag football for fun. Fear of being the only female and talking myself out of playing prevented this, until last year. Thanks to my friend Janessa, the opportunity presented itself and I took it readily, giving my best in many positions. This year I look forward to new challenges, improving as a player, new connections with my Cedar Raptors, hopefully inspiring others that it is never too late to go after a dream, and the reactions after I tell people I play tackle football. Outside of football, I’m a snake mama to my girl Banana, I enjoy working out, spending time with loved ones, listening to music (karaoke jam sessions), doing something for self-development, traveling, dancing, or etc. I’m looking forward to this season and all that it may bring.
Let’s go RAPTORS
#11
Kallie Gartzke
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#12
Whitney Schrader
Pronouns: she/her
This is my first year of tackle football, however I have played flag football in a rec league for two years. I played just about every sport available growing up but chose to play golf in college at South Dakota State University. Outside of sports I work at Transamerica as a Financial Processing Supervisor. I have two dogs and a bearded dragon with my partner Alex. I enjoy working out, playing video games, and spending time with my family. I learned all my celebration dances from my two nephews.
#13
Luna Ruach Elo Him
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#14
Renesa Smith-Taylor
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#15
Lucket Kiche
Pronouns: he/they
​
Lucket is a teacher and a weightlifter. He spends most of his time singing in the car and listening to Beyoncé. He loves spending time with his family Iry(Partner), Peter and Rowan (kiddos), dog Frappuccino and cats Avocado and Toast. This Lucket’s first time playing football.
#16
Zane Nelson
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#17
Dianna Kosobucki
Pronouns: she/her
​
My name is Dianna Kosobucki. I did not play football in school, but did play flag football when I was younger and with friends. I have always wanted to play though and am excited to have this opportunity! In school I did play softball, volleyball, basketball, and golf. Outside of football I am a School Counselor working with 7th-12th graders. I enjoying hiking, playing/watching sports, gaming, reading, listening to true crime podcast, and hanging with my family. My family consists of my wife (Melody), two dogs (Charlie and Anders), and a cat (Delilah). I’m ready to get this season started and have a fun time with great teammates!
#18
Alexis Spitzner
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#19
Sarah Stockwell-Gregson
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#20
Tamra Williams
My name is Tamra. This is my second year playing football. I also participate in a bowling league, hold a green belt in Tae Kwon Do, and regularly do kickboxing. Outside of football I enjoy a wide range of activities such as reading mystery novels, attending comedy shows and plays, taking painting classes, eating, and judging others for not using oxford commas. I have 3 cats, 3 dogs, and 3 kids. After losing my oldest child (son) in Sept 2022 I have become an advocate for Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Mental Health Awareness, and Addiction Awareness. You will see me sporting the number 20 in memory of him and his eternal age.
#21
Janessa Carr
My name is Janessa Carr. I could not be more excited about the opportunity to play football and learn more about this game. Being apart of a team, making new friends, taking on a challenge, and getting the chance to do something that provides a positive and healthy outlet is something I’m really looking forward to. I am incredibly blessed by my wife & children. They make everyday worth it and are my pride & joy. I have worked in the field of Education for the past 11 years. I am passionate about building bridges and creating systems that provide equitable outcomes for all students & families. I am so excited for our inaugural season. GO RAPTORS!!!!
#23
Tiffany Shelton
My inspiration to play football came from my daughter Gracie who you may recognize as the team's water girl and future player. She broke down barriers being the only girl to play consecutive years of Tackle football at her school. Kicking butt as a defensive tackle. It is through her bravery and determination that I decided to get back into the world of competitive sports. My days are spent being a Social Studies teacher and a Mom of 4 great kids! Repping my basketball roots with number 23, I look forward to seeing all the fans cheering us on! GO RAPTORS!
#25
Melissa Stockwell-Gregson
Pronouns: she/her
I am a native Californian, moved around the country a few times and have recently become a captive of Iowa. I have lived my life in athletics, playing multiple sports growing up. Softball became my passion and I was able to play collegiate softball at the University of Houston from 08-12. I continue to play slow-pitch softball with the LGBTQ+ softball community in Iowa city, but am excited to transition from hitting bombs to throwing bombs. I can’t wait to take on this new challenge, learning and playing football as a Player! (And not just as a yelling spectator!) Outside of football ….. I love spending quality time with my wife, Sarah, and our pup Raylie. I am an executive assistant at the UI Center for Advancement. I love taking epic road trips, throwing red shells in Mario cart, and playing just about any card game! I am fond of a fine aged smooth bourbon. Oh, and My friends like to call me “the funny friend”.
#27
Bridget Karsten
Pronouns: She/Her
​
I've been playing sports all my life from lacrosse to rowing to sand volleyball, but the last 5 years I've played tackle football and loved every moment. I've had the joy of being able to travel and play with the WFA international team and love being able to take football to the next level. When I'm done getting my aggression out in football, I love hanging out with my husband (Que), kids (Serenity, Emmah, and Quianah), and dogs (Nyla and Bud), playing games, DnD, reading, puzzling, and picking up new talents.
#28
Alyssa Noble
Pronouns: She/Her
I am a first-year football player but a lifelong football fan. Growing up in Southeastern Iowa, I have always rooted for the Hawkeyes, especially for football, women’s basketball, and softball. I work at the University of Iowa as a Research Coordinator specializing in gynecologic cancers. Golf has been a big part of my life for a long time. I played for the women’s golf team at Wartburg College, and now I am in charge of education for the Brown Deer Women’s Golf League in Coralville. Since leaving college, I have challenged myself to do things I have never done before. This has led me to be a Vermont state champion sled hockey player, a slow-pitch softball coach, and now a tackle football player. I was the most nervous to try tackle football, but with encouragement from my friends and my very supportive fiancé, I decided to try it, and I am glad I did. Football has made me feel stronger than ever.
#35
Laura Kainz
Pronouns: She/Her
As a youth, I tried lots of different sports; my favorites were soccer and softball. I still play softball now as an adult, but my heart and soul are at dojang where I am both a co-owner and a second degree (hopefully third fan after February 8) black belt in Taekwondo. Outside of sports, I am working on a Masters degree in special education so I can continue my work with high school students. I am married, and we have two adorable pugs and a feisty kitty. When I'm not doing homework, at the dojang or at practice, I enjoy reading World War II historical fiction, listening to true crime podcasts, anything Harry Potter and spending time with my family.
#36
Ashley Lilly
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#44
Rachel Daily
Pronouns: she/her
As a kid, I dreamed of becoming the next Mia Hamm, owning a pet dinosaur, and playing football. Looks like only one of those came true. I played soccer and softball growing up, but knew I was destined for football the day I got my first Dan Marino jersey at 5 years old. I’m a born and raised Cedar Rapidian, so I’m excited to start my dream repping my home town. When I'm not on the football field or working as a Financial Wellness Manager helping people better their credit, catch me on a mountain somewhere with my pup checking off another national park from my bucket list or playing softball for the LGBTQ+ LSA softball league in Iowa City.
#49
Jaeda Hernandez
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#51
Aime Warack
Pronouns: she/her
My name is Aime Warack. This is my second year playing tackle football. I am a lineman. I have played many sports over the years including multiple years of flag football. When I'm not working or playing football I like to spend time with my 5 year old son Camber and my partner Jake. I can't wait to see all the amazing things this team can accomplish this season! RAPTOR RAGE!
#52
Makayla Meier
Pronouns: she/her
My name is Makayla, I am so excited to play for the Cedar Raptors this season! I was born and raised here in Eastern Iowa. I have tried/played about every sport you can think of, from boxing lessons to riding horses. My current sports are golf (occasionally) and football. You can find me either at the gym, or out on the family farm helping my dad work cattle or driving a tractor. I also love working on house projects, photography, and finding some sort of adventure with my amazing husband. Fun fact about me: I love the Green Bay Packers and actually picked #52 because of the Claymaker himself: Clay Matthews
#55
Chanelle Thomas
Pronouns: she/her
I have a passion for fashion and smashing things. I run out on the field like I've been here before. I was 14 years old doing drills wondering how to adapt to that. I'm the only girl, and they all dudes, but I held my own knowing I was made to stand alone.
I'm an educator during the week, and a Raptor in my spare time. When you see 5-5 running up, you better head toward the sidelines.
I'm a native of Kansas City I been a fan of the Chiefs. Football has been my game since Arrowhead was an unknown timepiece. As a youngin I spent time on the diamonds cause I was told diamonds are a girl's best friend. But, it turns out, I can't leave the gridiron gang.
The people gon know my name. 5-5 is coming thru yo lane!
#62
Ariel Spitzner
Pronouns: she/her
My name is Ariel, I’ve always wanted to play organized football but never got the chance to till now. Growing up I played softball, track and field, basketball and volleyball. In college I was a student athlete. I studied Criminal justice and I was a thrower in track& field. I still play softball now as an adult and now I can add playing football. When I’m not playing sports I’m a correctional office/ detention officer at a county jail. I married my wife in 2020 and we have 1 dog. When I’m not working, I’m reading books, fixing something, building something and hunting or fishing.
#72
Shelby Hook
My name is Shelby. I currently work for a Wholesale Window Company. My Fiancée and I have 5 fur babies at home that we love spending time with along with hanging out with friends and family and going to hockey games on the weekends. This is year 2 being apart of this raptor team! I’m looking forward to sharpening my skills and building on my gameplay from last year! Football has helped me in so many ways and I am beyond excited for this upcoming season! I can’t wait to fill the stands with the best raptor fans in the city!
Photo Credit: Doug Dyrland