"You can play football too" Hansen's era is now
Ryan Phillips - Sports Editor
Multi-sport athlete Mylee Hansen broke local headlines after becoming the first female kicker in Monmouth College’s history to score an extra point in the Scots’ win over Lawrence University on September 21st. Hansen’s kick re-introduced an era of women kicking at the collegiate level as she joins big time names such as past Vanderbilt University kicker Sarah Fuller and past Jackson State kicker Leilani Armenta.
“I think that it just goes to show that we're growing,” Hansen said.
Broadcasted live on WRAM radio, commentators were shocked when Hansen made her appearance, not realizing till after the attempt it was her who made the kick.
“Maybe I wish it was a little more serious,” Hansen said, after listening to the call on Ryan’s Recap. “But I understand the side of where this is new for people and there's going to be that little bump in the road where some people don't understand what a big impact this can have, and I'm perfectly fine with that.”
The extra point signals there is an audience that is flabbergasted women compete in football, but they accept to see such events unfold in the ‘masculine’ sport.
“As long as it's becoming better for other girls, I'll take that hit,” Hansen said.
Teammate and starting kicker, Cody Szelc, was perfect against Lawrence on that historic day. “She helps us out by motivating us,” Szelc said. “If we miss a kick, she'll come out and say you're good, go on to the next one.”
“They definitely keep me involved and they're great teammates,” Hansen said. “I like we all just encourage each other to be better kickers.”
Hansen’s support for her team has jumpstarted her thoughts about forming her own program to let all girls enjoy the game of football.
“I've definitely thought about it,” Hansen said after being asked if she wants to create a program to inspire girls to play football. “I love working with kids and love to keep encouraging them to do what they love, so it's definitely something that's in the back of my mind.”
Hansen is willing to take the necessary steps to ensure that football becomes a sport for everyone. “Yes, I'm a football player, but if saying that I'm a female football player encourages more girls to come and play a game that is ran by men, then I think that's okay,” Hansen said. “You can play football too.”
Monmouth currently sits at 2-1 and will defend their brand-new home turf against the Illinois College Blue Boys Saturday, October 5th, at 2:00 p.m. during the college’s annual homecoming game. Tailgating will be located at the Euclid Avenue and Pattee parking lots beginning at 10:00 a.m..