By Tina Vlamis and Jenn DaSilva

Zero. That’s the number of girls that have ever played Woodland Football.

Until now.

History was made when Lauren Charette became the first girl to ever be a part of the Woodland Football team.

As it does every so often, this history happened sort of by accident.

Charette originally planned to join the soccer team, as she had done the previous year. But when she missed the tryouts because of a family vacation, her sister, suggested she fill the position of kicker on the football team.

“My sister actually spoke to Coach Phipps about me trying out,” Charette said. “and he invited me to come to a practice.”

At the practice, Charette impressed the coaches with her kicking and was asked to join the team.

“It’s an honor to be on the team,” said Charette. “But I know its not going to be easy and I’m going to have to be mentally and physically strong.”

Woodland has been abuzz about the newest addition, students have been extremely curious. One of the most common inquiries is, “How does the football team feel about this?” The answer: they couldn’t be happier. When questioned, the team as a whole agreed that she was a fantastic kicker, a hard worker, and sure to assist them in winning more games. When asked about her kicking ability, Charette says that the best she has ever kicked is from the thirty five yard line.

Her athletic ability is not her only impressive aspect, Coach Phipps also spoke very highly of her character;

“She’s one of the most polite people I’ve ever met, she’s a very honest person, and she’s an excellent communicator. Having that type of person on a football team is great for morale.”

Although he said that so far the entire football team, staff, and student body has been completely supportive and positive about her joining, there is still the concern that other teams will not be as respectful.

Charette knows that being a great female athlete in a primarily male sport will make her a target, and comprehends that other teams may be rude or say nasty things to her. Even though she may have a challenging season ahead, it is apparent that the team will make sure she does not feel alone in enduring any challenge she faces along the way. As put by Coach Phipps, “We support her, the coaches support her, and the team supports her, and we have her back no matter what.”