For the first time ever in our school’s history a girl is suiting up for football. Freshman Elizabeth Canales knocked down gender barriers to earn a spot on the Freshmen B team as defensive line and center. The Colt sat down with Lizzie to get to know her a bit.

The Colt: What got you into football?

EC: Mostly my older brother, Alex. He played and I saw that he wasn’t really into it but that he could do it and I thought “well, I wanna see if I can start doing this now” so I started playing once I got into junior high.

TC: How long have you been playing football?

EC: This is going to be my third year.

TC: Have you played any other sports in the past or are you playing anything else besides football right now?

EC: I’ve played basketball, I was on my junior high’s track and field team for discus and shot put, and I’m hoping to play softball this year.

TC: Do you plan to become a professional football player?

EC: I’ll try but I mean the likelihood of that is not really high since I would probably be the first girl but if I can I’ll do it.

TC: Have you faced any backlash?

EC: Yeah I had some football guys I’ve played with say I don’t belong here cause I’m a female, a lot of them are like “Isn’t that dangerous?” and I’m like “It is but it’s just as dangerous if a guy were to play”.

TC: What reactions do you typically get when you tell people you play football?

EC: Most people are surprised and some get excited about the idea that there’s a girl out there playing football but most of the time it’s just people being surprised.