One local student has scored a point in her school’s history book. Senior Lauren Pearson, 17, is Thomas County Central High School’s first female football player.
Her position is place kicker. Her responsibility on the team is to make points after touchdowns and field goals. The athlete, who has a soccer background, always has been interested in kicking and thought kicking a football “looked fun” and would be a chance to try something different.
“It seemed like a great opportunity because I’ve wanted to kick ever since I saw the Chick-fil-A half-time extra point competition in seventh grade,” Pearson said. “I became really intrigued (with the idea) when I heard about the female kicker who tried out for the NFL.”
Who says girls can’t play football? At TCCHS anyone who wants to play the sport is given an opportunity to try, Pearson said. And, there is no special treatment, nor does Pearson want any.
“I do everything that everyone else is required to do including tackling stations and conditioning,” she said.
TCCHS Associate Head Coach Bill Wilhelm said Pearson is “very consistent in her kicking” and calls her “one of the guys.”
“She went through all of the summer workouts with the team and has only missed one day of practice because of being sick,” he said. “She performs all of the same conditioning and weight workouts as everyone else. She is building her strength and does feel the pressure of being a kicker and knowing that everyone is counting on her.”
Junior Noah Voyles, 17, is a team kicker. He supports Pearson and adds that having her on the team makes TCCHS “unique” because female players are uncommon in this area.
“I think it’s cool that a girl is playing,” he said. “You don’t see that very often. She’s a good teammate and does her job really well.”
Pearson appreciates her team’s support and is dedicated to doing her best.
“This feels unreal and almost a dream to me,” she said of being on the team. “I feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself and that I belong to a team that really appreciates and respects the sport. This experience has taught me humility and discipline. Football shapes the attitude and morals of the players. I hope to gain the respect of my teammates and others.”
She also encourages any girls who might want to try out for a stereotypical “guys” sport to go for it.
“I’m ecstatic and proud to be able to help the team in any way I can,” Pearson said. “If a girl has the drive and the ability to play, I think that she should go for it even if she’s afraid. I was afraid at first, with some people’s disapproval, but I followed my heart and decided to try.”
TCCHS Principal Trista Jones is “impressed” by Pearson’s “tenacity and competitive spirit.”
“We have watched Lauren practice in the heat all summer right alongside the young men,” she said. “It was exciting to see her hard work pay off during the scrimmage game. We will continue to cheer for her throughout the season.”