Are you ready to get some football? If you’re like most Americans, the answer is yes! Football season is well underway all across the country. From young kids to pro athletes, many Americans aren’t just watching the game—they’re also playing it. However, it’s not just young boys and men who are taking to the field. It’s not just young men and women who are involved in the sport. One of them has made history.
Bella Rasmussen (18) is a senior football player at Laguna Beach High School, California. Although women do play football throughout the country, Rasmussen is unique not necessarily because she’s the only female on the team, but because she’s also a running back. When girls and women play the male-dominated sport, running back is usually a position that’s thought of as one only for guys.
For those who haven’t seen it, ‘I’m Going to Do It Again’
Rasmussen’s unique position helped her make history last week. The running back was able to score not one, but two touchdowns in a game against Santa Ana Godinez that saw her team win 48-0. Rasmussen was the first woman to score two touchdowns during a varsity football game in California history.
“I was like, just in case you didn’t get to [see it] the first time, I’m going to do it again,” Rasmussen told TODAY.
The running back became eighth in state history to score touchdowns in varsity football games. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for Rasmussen, and she went on to score another. Rasmussen ran for one and four yards respectively in the second quarter.
Rasmussen went out on the field to have some fun. She didn’t set out to enter the history books. As the running back shared “I had no idea that was such a big deal. I felt that I had just played a game, a great game with some of my favorite people.”
‘Be The Hammer, Not The Nail’
Rasmussen’s love for football began at an early age. Rasmussen was just three years old when she began playing football with her brother and cousin. However, she has had to deal with skeptics in the past.
“I get it all the time,” Rasmussen remarked. “Those boys are going to hurt you. They’re not going to want you, this is a male sport.” Good thing Rasmussen didn’t listen to the doubters. As the only female on the team, she’s making history and showing the world that girls can play just as tough as boys. In fact, she’s played the demanding positions of running back and defensive end all four of her years at Laguna Beach.
Rasmussen continues to reflect upon her football team and make history. Here are some inspiring words she has for us all. “Be the hammer, not the nail.”