Twelve years ago, a little girl with a big dream laced up her cleats, tightened the flags around her waist, and stepped onto a football field for the very first time. That girl was my little sister, Lauren.
Now in her senior year of high school, Lauren continues to play the game she’s loved since she was six years old.
The varsity punter and kicker for a small high school in central Wisconsin, she became the first female player in not only the history of the school, but the history of the conference as well.
She made the front page of the local papers and was featured on the local news. But for her, it’s not about the publicity, and it’s not about making history. It never has been.
For her, it’s about doing something she loves and nothing more.
Playing a sport dominated by male athletes isn’t easy. Boys are bigger, stronger, and faster. Instead of giving up, Lauren took it upon herself to work harder than anyone else, and she earned herself a spot in the starting lineup.
Her determination and will power are an inspiration to anyone who wants to achieve something that seems daunting or impossible.
Although this is her last season as a football player, the lessons she has learned from playing the game will stay with her for the rest of her life.
Over the course of the past twelve years, Lauren has learned to defy the odds.
Everyone that told her girls couldn’t play football or that football was a sport for boys gave her motivation to prove them wrong.
Football has also taught her to overcome adversity and negativity.
Time and time again, people told her that she would never be good enough to compete with the boys, and that if she ever did get to play, it would be because the coach wanted the publicity.
She never let the hatred and negativity of others get her down. She always kept her spirits up and her head held high.
Even though she’s my baby sister, Lauren has always been an inspiration to me. Her refusal to give up, her determination, and her passion never cease to amaze me.
It can be seen in her every time she runs out onto the field. I am so proud of her for continuing to play the game she’s loved since she was six years old.
At the end of this fall, she will lace up her cleats, slip on her pads, and step out onto that field for the very last time.
But the memories she’s made and the experiences she’s had over the last twelve years will stay with her forever.
