City Council Member Kellie Gillispie Packs a Punch

Local business owner.

Mound City Council member.

And lingerie football player.

Meet Kellie Gillispie, the 5 foot 4 inch, 130-pound Lake Minnetonka resident who is one of about 20 women from throughout the state who make up the roster of the Minnesota Valkyrie—the newest franchise in the 12-team Lingerie Football League (LFL). 

Gillispie, 30, scored a touchdown in the Valkyrie’s opening day win against the Green Bay Chill and figures to be a key component in the Valkyrie game plan as the team prepares for its Nov. 19 game against the Chicago Bliss.

Patch caught up with Gillispie this week for a chat about how she became involved in lingerie football, how she responds to the sport’s critics and her future with the Valkyrie.

Lake Minnetonka Patch: How did you hear about the new Lingerie Football League (LFL) team in Minnesota and what made you interested in playing? 

Kellie Gillispie: Actually, my boyfriend ran across it on TV about two years ago, and it kind of became a Friday night ritual to watch with some of our neighbors. Then, literally within five minutes of the LFL's announcement that Minnesota would have an expansion team, my neighbor e-mailed me the good news. Since most of my life I've been an athlete, it was exciting to hear about an opportunity to be a part of a competitive team sport again—and even better one I've always wanted play but never had the chance to until now.

Patch: Have you received any negative feedback about playing from other city council members or others in the community?

Gillispie: First, I'm never going to apologize for being an athlete because athletics is a main component of who I am today. Besides that, these are two parts of my life that I keep very separate. With that being said, there was one gentleman that wasn't too thrilled about it, but that's probably because if I hadn't run (for City Council) he would've been re-elected. Overall though, everyone has been really supportive, and I've received a tremendous amount of positive comments about the team, the hard work we put in and how much fun people have watching us play. 

Patch: Are you comfortable in the "uniforms” the LFL requires you to wear? 

Gillispie: The uniforms are what they are. I grew up as a gymnast and now live on a lake, where you are always in a swimsuit, so it's not as much about being comfortable as it is being confident in who you are.

Patch: Did you have any experience in athletics prior to trying out for the Valkyrie or is this all new to you? 

Gillispie: Fortunately, I've had plenty of athletic experiences which have proved to be very beneficial. The majority of my experience comes from gymnastics, soccer and track.

Patch: Have you been surprised or disappointed with the level of support/interest/fan engagement?

Gillispie: I've definitely not been surprised in the level of interest, partially because who isn't going to have some curiosity as to what this league is about with the name Lingerie Football League. As for the level of support, especially from fans, friends and family, it has been so overwhelming and positive it's amazing. We thank you, and I believe a big part of this is from the Valkyrie players and coaches really putting themselves out there, dedicating themselves and working extremely hard on building a strong competitive team that plays real football. 

Patch: How are you able to balance running a business, civic involvement and friends/family while playing lingerie football? 

Gillispie: (Laughing) It's quite the balancing act, and some days I wonder myself. We all make sacrifices, which our friends and families have been really understanding about, so it makes it easier. Then, thankfully, we have an amazing coaching staff that really tries to work with our schedules because they realize we have full-time jobs that need to pay the bills. However, keeping my priorities in check, making sacrifices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle definitely helps.     

Patch: Are you to play again next year?

Gillispie: Who wouldn't want to play with this group of athletes as long as they can? The Valkryie are such an amazing group of competitors with the most dedicated coaching staff, and I'm very proud to be a part of this family. At the same time, we all know that if we don't put in the hard work, we will be replaced—so it's ultimately left in our hands.