Junko Tanida was a star wide receiver for the New York Sharks from 2005-2006. She comes from Yonago, Japan but loved playing tackle football so much that she moved to the United States during the football season.
Tanida first started playing for the California Quake in 2002 and was named to the league's all-star team as a wide receiver. She then played for the Sacramento Sirens in 2004 and played against the Sharks in the IWFL Championship game that year.
The Sirens' offense was mostly geared towards their potent running attack and Tanida decided to move to a team that emphasized the passing game. This led her to move to Brooklyn where she hooked up with the Sharks based on the reputation of quarterback Val Halesworth. Tanida's pass catching skills paid off for the Sharks as she caught 5 touchdown passes and led the team in yards per reception. In 2006, she led the team in reception yards and receiving touchdowns.
On April 23, 2005, she shined in front of fellow countryman, Rocky Aoki by catching 2 touchdown passes of 30 and 39 yards. Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain had performed the ceremonial coin toss at the beginning of the game.
Since her Sharks playing days, Tanida has moved back to Japan and has gotten married. She is also pregnant and is expecting around July.
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