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Prominent Female Kicker Faces Racist Harassment Online
Think racism has vanished in America? Think again. The election of a Black president didn’t magically erase prejudices; they still lurk beneath the surface, ready to rear their ugly heads. Just ask Riley James from Midland, Michigan.
Riley is a standout kicker for the Dow High School football team, a fierce competitor with an impressive record of 29 successful extra points out of 31 attempts this season. Not only is she the first girl to play varsity football for Dow, but she also juggles a demanding athletic schedule that includes traveling soccer teams. With a drive to excel, she’s earned a partial soccer scholarship to Northwood University, on top of another academic scholarship thanks to her 3.2 GPA. Talk about a high school overachiever!
However, Riley recently encountered a harsh reminder of the ongoing battle against racism. At a Midland-Dow football game, a user on Instagram, who goes by the handle @mollymuuck, posted a photo of herself with a boy in a gorilla suit, captioned, “got a pic with Dow’s kicker ;)”. The boy donned Midland-blue shorts, leaving some to wonder whether the gorilla suit was intended as a jab at Riley. The post received eight likes before being deleted, and unfortunately, no disciplinary actions have been taken yet.
Riley deserves recognition for her talents, both on the field and in the classroom. But racists seem intent on dragging her down with outdated and hateful stereotypes. When she joined the football team, she was welcomed wholeheartedly; her coach emphasizes that Riley is not just “the girl kicker” but “a valued team member.” Riley herself has built strong connections with her teammates and appreciates the support from her community.
While it’s relatively easier for a girl to fit in on an all-male football team, the obstacles faced by a successful Black female athlete remain significant. Racism is still alive and well in America, manifesting in cities and towns across the nation. If you need proof, just look at Riley James.
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Summary
Riley James, a talented kicker from Midland, Michigan, faces racist attacks online despite her achievements in sports and academics. The incident serves as a reminder that racism persists in America. While Riley has found acceptance on her football team, the challenges for successful Black female athletes remain.