Support Sarah's Journey in Women's Football

My name is Sarah (Parker) Thornton and I’m with the Cincinnati Cougars Women's Football Team.

Twenty five years ago, I sat in a TVS JH classroom where every boy in the class said girls couldn't play football. I was a strong, active farm girl who baled hay and rode horses better than most boys. I was SURE girls could play football - and I was going to prove it. In 8th Grade, I told my dad I was going to try out for volleyball but instead went to football tryouts. And that year, I played my first year of football - I walked in not knowing a thing about the sport. I was on the offensive line and most of that year is still a blur for me. Fast forward to the 2000 football season as a Freshman, I was the first girl to play football in TVS history - this time as a strong safety on defense and my passion for the sport erupted. I ruffled the feathers of many - including my own teammates - who felt girls shouldn't play football. But I fell in love with the sport, with what being part of a team meant, how to work hard when things are tough, how to win with class and lose with gratitude. It shaped me as a person and I learned many life lessons that year.

Here I am - 24 years later - as a 38 year old wife and mom of 2, playing a sport I never thought I would get a chance to experience ON THE FIELD again in the Women's Football Alliance for the Cincinnati Cougars.

Saturday, June 29th we won our first playoff game against the Virginia Panthers to become the D3 South East Regional Champions. We will travel July 13th to play in Portland, Maine for the second round of playoffs. Securing a win in Maine will put us in the D3 National Championships July 26th at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

August 7-11 I was selected and will be traveling to Mexico City with the WFA International team to play. We will also work to bring more awareness to women's football in Mexico. It is a great honor and privilege to be part of movement promoting women in sports - especially football when we historically haven't had the same opportunities within the sport.

Any support is greatly appreciated so I can make this trip and continue spreading the love of women in football.