TAMPA, Fla. -- As two 300-pound defensive linemen prepare to charge at her, Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant defensive line coach Lori Locust, 55, launches her body backward and lifts both arms up and across her face. Although the players are easily double her size, Locust does not flinch. Before getting set for the next rep, she reminds one player, “Show me your hands,” and he nods in approval.
On the other end of the practice field, assistant strength and conditioning coach Maral Javadifar, 29, stands on the sideline, monitoring a scrimmage.