significant upward trend. Last year, there were 658 girls’ high school football programs in the United States, indicating a 111 percent increase in five years. Utah peewee division football player Sam Gordon received national attention, in part because her father posted her game videos on social media, but also in earnest, due to her impressive season.
“Whenever we’re done with a game and I take my helmet off, people squint their eyes and look at me. They can’t believe I’m a girl doing this.”
The nine-year-old quarterback scored 35 touchdowns on 232 carries. In addition, she had a recorded 65 tackles and received a special invitation from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to the 2013 Super Bowl. USA Football Regional Manager Matt DeLuzio said their organization estimates that 1% of all youth tackle football players are girls. Tackling stereotypes about gender in football takes finesse. Coach Hinojos recalled the players’ initial awkwardness when Julia joined the team. “At first the boys were a little freaked out. For a short time both Julia and the guys were standoffish,” said Hinojos. “I felt bad for her,” said Viking teammate Nakai Hinojos. “I didn’t think she was going to make it.” Earning her teammates respect wouldn’t be easy. Julia worked hard proving she had the skills and dedication to play the rough and tumble game. “She proved me wrong,” Nakai said. “She takes down the hard hitters. She’s not afraid to do what the guys can do.” Drill after drill, play after play, Coach Hinojos watched as Julia’s confidence grew. “She can hit with the best of them. We have some big guys that no one wants to go against. Julia stepped it up and started a trend by wanting to practice with the biggest and baddest players. She’s not one of the girls, she’s one of the Vikings,” the Y coach said.
Continued on page 18 an apple a day august 2013 13