A Mexican American woman has become the first female kicker at Jackson State University, a NCAA Division I Historically Black College and University. Leilani Armenta told CNN she was nervous when she stepped onto the field during the team’s September 23 game against rival Bethune-Cookman University, but she knew she had a job to do.
She said she just focused on playing the game. “At first, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m playing. I’m playing football,’ Armenta said. “It was after the game, I was like, ‘Wow, that was history that was made. History that was positive and impacted so many people.’” Armenta wasn’t just nervous about her historic game time debut – the freshman communications major is also recovering from ACL surgery she had last year and has spent the season training and kicking in a brace.
“She’s incredible and her journey has been incredible,” Goyeneche said. “There’s no difference between her and a male kicker.” T.C. Taylor, head football coach at Jackson State University, told CNN the freshman is a vital part of the team and has been welcomed with open arms. “They were excited,” he said, adding Armenta’s arrival filled a huge need for the team. “Our kicker was hurt, our punter was hurt, and we didn’t have anybody else.
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