Create an experience with Kira-Lea Dargin

If resilience, dedication and motivation are what you’re looking for then look no further.

Meet Kira-Lea Dargin. The First Indigenous/Female Professional American Football (Gridiron) Athlete to debut in the USA. Also, the first Australian in history invited to play for Team USA All Stars

A cancer survivor living with Lupus SLE, Kira-Lea is an Indigenous athlete, mother of 4 and business owner. She embodies resilience, self determination and dedication.  

In 2020 Kira-Lea became the first Indigenous Female to play Professional Gridiron in the USA for New York Wolves.

All happened just two years after she was diagnosed with and successfully beat cancer.

A proud Aboriginal Wiradjuri woman from Orange in New South Wales, Dargin had an up bringing in Rugby League, featuring on the wing and center in the Koori Knockout rugby league carnival.

Having been a long-time fan of American football, the now 34-year-old finally decided to suit up in 2017 at the age of 28.

Her journey mirrors that of NRL star Jarryd Hayne, who walked away from rugby league to try his hand at the American game. 

Kira-lea has played the following seasons:

2017 UNSW Raiders

2018 NSW Coyotes 

2018 Sydney Lions

2019 New York Wolves

2019 UNSW Raiders

2019 USA All Stars

After being locked down back home in Australia for much of 2020 Kira-Lea was planning a return to the USA for the 2021 season however was involved in an unfortunate accident. The accident resulted in a snapped leg where she then spent much of 2021 learning to walk again. While doing so she made the decision to building a business with values close to her heart. 

Kira-Lea has now established YURUNG PTY LTD the first and only certified Indigenous analytical consulting firm focusing on data-design approach to Indigenous implementation plans. emphasizing employment, procurement, and community engagement. Furthermore, Kira-Lea extends her services to empower female and ethnic minority targets, promoting equity and breaking down barriers. 

Since 2022 Dargin turned her love of football back to Rugby League pursuing coaching opportunities. Dargin travelled 10 hours return every weekend at her own expense to give back to bush communities. Successfully coaching the Woodbridge U14 girls to an undefeated season and Grand final win before progression on to coaching with Bondi United. 

Dargin has recently been appointed coaching staff of the Sydney Roosters Tri-Colour Female Elite Pathway where she hopes to further support opportunities for young women from social and economic disadvantaged backgrounds.