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On November 22nd, history was made. Sarah Fuller became the first woman to ever play in a Power 5 conference game. Â
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Fuller was recruited from the Vanderbilt soccer team to be the kicker for the Vanderbilt football team. Fuller is a senior goalie who led her soccer team to a Southeast Conference Winning Season. She even wore her soccer number 32 on her football jersey. As well as “Play Like A Girl” printed on the back of her helmet. Â
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Sarah Fuller also gave a message to her younger fans.Â
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“I just want to tell all the girls out there that you can do anything you set your mind to, you really can; And if you have that mentality all the way through, you can do big things.” (ABC News)Â
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However, since this news broke, not everyone is supportive of a woman playing on a highly competitive football team.Â
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Sarah posted a picture on Instagram of her wearing her jersey and holding her helmet with the caption, “Let’s make history”Â
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There was a large amount of backlash and sexist comments on her post. Â
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“You’re a kicker, don’t let it get to your head”, “All of the sudden the kicker position became such a historical position”, “Vandy is getting desperate”, “Hey at least you’re hot”, “Let’s see how long you last”Â
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This is just a handful of the comments.Â
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Instead of dragging Sarah down, we should be building her up for playing a part in breaking the gender barrier in athletics. This takes an immense amount of bravery, and confidence to step up to this position. Sarah is now a role model for girls everywhere who dream of being able to play in the same sports as boys. Â
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Sarah is now one of three women to play in the FBS, along with Katie Hnida (New Mexico, 2003), and April Gross (Kent State, 2015)Â
The #PlayLikeAGirl is so important, it is creating a movement to encourage women and girls of all ages to participate and reach their fullest potential in athletics and STEM.Â
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We are slowly but surely breaking down the gender barrier. Congratulations Sarah, this girl gang is supporting you.Â