The 2023 college football season marked a historic moment for women, as they shattered barriers and made headlines in the sport.
Despite being told that football isn’t a “girl’s sport” and that they aren’t physically built for it, female trailblazers defied the odds and silenced the skeptics by showcasing their prowess on the field, establishing themselves as pioneers in college football.
Women have significantly contributed to college football through their roles as players, coaches, conditioners, and referees, solidifying their place within the sport.
Women in College Football: A History of Breaking Barriers
Women have been breaking barriers and making history in football since 1997. Liz Heaston made history by becoming the first woman to score in a collegiate football game with NAIA Willamette, paving the way for women in kicking positions. Ashley Martin followed her lead in 2001, becoming the first woman to play and score at the FCS level for Jacksonville State.
In 2003, Katie Hnida transferred from Colorado to New Mexico and achieved the milestone of becoming the first woman to score in a Division I-A game.
In 2015, April Goss etched her name in history by becoming the second woman to score a point in a major college football game during Kent State’s matchup with Delaware.
In 2020, Sarah Fuller made history by becoming the first woman to score in a Power Five conference game after successfully kicking two extra points for Vanderbilt against the University of Tennessee.
Women have also been breaking barriers in other football positions, with Antoinette Harris receiving a full college scholarship at Central Methodist as a defensive back in 2019, making her the first female skill-position player to do so. Harris aspired to become the first woman in the NFL.
2023 College Football Trailblazers
Fast forward to 2023, Leilani Armenta made history as the first Mexican-American woman to become the first female kicker at Jackson State University, a Historically Black College and NCAA Division I University. Armenta sealed Jackson State’s 22-16 win over rivals Bethune Cookman University with a 25-yard kick.
Armenta, a freshman on the Jackson State women’s soccer team, was approached by coach Ted Flogaites to utilize her high school place-kicking experience to assist the football team. Armenta has now announced her departure from soccer to pursue a college football career at Jackson State.
Haley Van Voorhis made history as the first female football player to appear in an NCAA football game outside in the safety position for Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, a Division III college. Van Voorhis registered a quarterback hurry, resulting in an incomplete pass by the QB against Juniata College on the same day.
These trailblazers have showcased that through hard work and dedication, women can defy the odds and excel in any endeavor they choose, including playing college football.
Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.
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