Football. When many see this word, they picture a giant, burly man tackling and taking down others while holding a ball in their hand. However, women have also joined this “masculine” sport. We even have one female on our own team!

Elena Garcia is a sophomore at Galena High School and she has played football for both of the years she’s been here. “A friend eighth grade made me join football and I kept playing because it’s fun!” Elena says.

Being the only girl has proven to be stressful to her since she feels that she needs to prove more than the boys. She also has to change in another location. “I usually change in the bathroom…or the janitor’s closet,” she replies. However, this doesn’t mean that she isn’t a part of the team though. “I am a part of the team. We are a team full of savages,” Elena says, laughing.

As the record shows, the football team’s streak hasn’t been the best. Elena believes that they can do better and will improve with the number of games they play. To play on the field, the players have to attend at least 12 practices. Elena has met that requirement and she hopes to play soon.

Elena encourages more girls to join the team. “Don’t think about it. Just do it! So I can have someone to talk to…please.”