As Super Bowl LVII approaches, the City of Tampa celebrates one of its world champions—Deliah Autry. A former employee of the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department, Autry’s unwavering dedication to her community, the place she proudly calls home, continues to inspire.
Autry’s passion for sports ignited at the tender age of 5 when she first stepped into the Kwane Doster and Port Tampa community centers. Her journey from these humble beginnings to excelling in flag football, basketball, and volleyball at T.R. Robinson High School is a story that resonates with many. It’s the kind of grit and tenacity that Tampa is made for. It’s also why Doechii said, “There’s so much talent in Tampa.”
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After high school, Autry played at the University of South Florida and worked as a Recreation Leader I with Parks and Recreation, coaching flag football, soccer, T-ball, and even Latin dance. She later pursued a master’s degree at Florida A&M University and returned to Tampa in 2020 to offer local kids flag football clinics.
A champion on and off the field in Tampa
“Deliah Autry is a winner on and off the field,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “She’s won three golds with the U.S. Women’s National Team, earned two college degrees, and is about to complete her MBA—all while giving back to our kids.”
Autry, 29, has hosted about 15 clinics through her nonprofit, Camp13, reaching nearly 1,500 local kids. She’ll hold two more this year: one on March 17 at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and another on August 1 at Riverfront Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is now open online.
How she earned a spot on the US Women’s National Team
“Deliah embodies what our Parks and Recreation staff strives to inspire,” said Director Tony Mulkey. “Gold medalist, college graduate, philanthropist—she’s a true role model.”
Autry played club-level flag football in college and earned a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2021. The team won world championships in 2021 and 2024, plus gold in the 2023 IFAF Americas Championship. Autry is now focused on competing in the 2028 Olympics, a goal that reflects her ongoing commitment to sports and community service.
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