Tanishia “Hippie” Norman recently joined The Pop-Up! Presents: Crank Up The Volume with host Alicia Crank to detail her journey from classical music hall performer to team captain of the Seattle Majestics, and ultimately to her current role as Director of Development at the King County Play Equity Coalition.
From Double Bass to Gridiron Grit
A Memphis native, Norman’s early life was initially shaped by classical music. After being identified as a gifted student in elementary school, she learned the violin before eventually transitioning to the double bass to play in orchestra and jazz band. Norman performed with university ensembles and later played alongside professional symphonies in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
However, her athletic journey took off later when she began playing tackle football at age 25. She eventually captained the Seattle Majestics in the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC).
"I didn't get to play football until I was 25... not because I didn't want to play, but because there weren't any options," Norman said. "I always imagine, what if I was given that opportunity to pick up a basketball or play hockey or even play football? I probably would have had a scholarship... No kid should have to wait till they're 25 to play."
Norman recalled that stepping into the role of captain forced her to overcome self-doubt and build deep personal resilience while navigating a male-dominated coaching structure.
"The biggest lesson I learned was resilience," she said. "All these barriers that I faced at 25... I really learned when I got the job with the Play Equity Coalition that these are the same barriers that are keeping girls from playing.”
Championing Systemic Change at King County Play Equity Coalition
Today, Norman translates her on-field tenacity into institutional advocacy. The King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of over 140 community organizations and professional sports teams focused on removing systemic obstacles that keep youth, particularly girls, youth of color, and kids with disabilities, from accessing sports and outdoor recreation.
Addressing the challenges of non-profit fundraising, Norman noted that having a personal connection to the mission makes asking for community resources natural.
"Once you're passionate about whatever cause you're behind as a fundraiser, oh my gosh, it makes it so much easier," Norman said.
She emphasized that true equity requires bringing decision-makers into direct conversation with impacted communities:
"Doing one event here and one event there isn't going to change the system. You have to change it from the core... We really are centered on bringing those people of power to the people who are in the community actually experiencing it and making them listen to them,” she said.
Norman highlighted upcoming initiatives, including partnering with local organizations for inclusive play days at venues like the Kraken Community Iceplex to give girls and first-time skaters opportunities on the ice.
A Shared Love for Seattle Sports Culture
Concluding the segment, Norman traced her lifelong fandom back to her childhood in Tennessee, watching Sonics legend Shawn Kemp on television. She expressed her deep warmth for the local community that welcomed her as an athlete and sports advocate.
"There's no city like Seattle when it comes to [loving their sports]," Norman said. "And I can feel that as a professional tackle football player... people still love me."
Through field leadership, fundraising, and grassroots events, Norman continues to work toward a future where every young person in King County has full access to the transformative power of sports and play.
Learn more about the King County Play Equity Coalition at www.kcplayequity.org
Learn more about the Seattle Majestics at www.theseattlemajestics.com
Catch The Pop-Up! Presents: Catch Crank Up The Volume Wednesday nights live at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
