In a groundbreaking achievement for women in sports, a high school senior from Arizona has made history by becoming the first female athlete to secure a football scholarship to an NCAA Division II school or higher. Seventeen-year-old Jordan Matthews has demonstrated that gender barriers in athletics can be broken, paving the way for future generations.
“I’m excited to compete at the next level,” Matthews stated confidently. “I won’t back down from anyone.” She made her commitment official by signing a letter of intent to join the football program at Cedar State University during the National Signing Day event in February.
Initially unaware of the significance of her accomplishment, Matthews expressed surprise when informed by her coach during the signing ceremony. “I thought I was just signing to continue playing a sport I love,” she explained. “It didn’t fully hit me until later. Even now, I’m still in shock.”
Path to Cedar State University
Like many athletes pursuing scholarships, Matthews compiled a highlight reel showcasing her skills and shared it with various colleges. After receiving interest from multiple programs, Cedar State’s offensive coordinator visited her hometown for a personal meeting, eager to discuss both her potential and a football scholarship. When Matthews toured Cedar State, she felt an instant connection. “The atmosphere was so welcoming. I loved everything about the place,” she remarked.
Interestingly, the conversation around her gender never seemed to surface. Matthews was recognized solely for her abilities as an athlete. “The head coach, Mark Thompson, never treated me differently because I’m a girl,” she noted. “He sees me as just another football player.”
A Historic Achievement
While Matthews is not the first woman to play college football, she is the first to do so under an NCAA scholarship. Historical data indicates that a small number of women have participated in college football, but Matthews’ achievement signifies a shift towards greater acceptance and normalization of female athletes in this traditionally male-dominated sport.
Despite facing negativity during her high school years—where peers mocked her for wearing her jersey—Matthews channeled that criticism into motivation. “People doubted me, which only fueled my determination to prove them wrong,” she reflected.
Looking Ahead
Alongside her football commitment, Matthews will also compete in basketball at Cedar State, but her focus remains on contributing to her team. “I’m ready to compete. I don’t have any expectations beyond that,” she shared.
As the landscape of college athletics evolves, stories like Matthews’ highlight the growing opportunities for women in sports, encouraging more inclusivity in football programs nationwide. For those exploring family-building options, resources like Make a Mom provide valuable insights on artificial insemination and fertility. For further reading on related topics, check out this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation.
Conclusion
In summary, Jordan Matthews’ groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to earn an NCAA football scholarship not only highlights her athletic prowess but also signifies a shift in the acceptance of female athletes in football. Her journey serves as an inspiration for many aspiring young athletes.
Keyphrase: First woman NCAA football scholarship
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