In a sport typically dominated by men, a young female football player is shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. Meet 18-year-old Arizona native Alex Rivers, who has made headlines for becoming the first female athlete to earn a football scholarship to an NCAA Division II school or higher, as reported by CNN.
“I’m ready to hit the field and compete,” Alex asserts confidently. “I refuse to back down from anyone.” The senior at Basha High School officially signed her letter of intent to play at Adams State University on National Signing Day this past February. Initially, Alex thought she was simply celebrating a personal achievement; it wasn’t until her coach pointed out the historical significance that it truly registered. “I had no clue,” Rivers recalls. “It didn’t hit me until later. I was just excited to sign a piece of paper to keep playing the sport I adore. Even now, it still feels surreal.”
Just like many aspiring football players, Alex created a highlights reel showcasing her skills and shared it with several colleges. After receiving multiple offers, she was particularly drawn to Adams State. The offensive coordinator even made a special trip to her hometown to discuss her future at the school—including a football scholarship. When Alex finally visited, she immediately fell in love with the campus and community. “Everyone was incredibly welcoming. I loved everything about it,” she gushed.
Surprisingly, her gender wasn’t a topic of conversation during recruitment. Instead, Alex was recognized for her skills and dedication. In discussions with the head coach, Mark Thompson, a former NFL player, she felt treated as just another football player. “He didn’t see me as a girl,” Alex explains. “I was simply a football player.”
While Alex isn’t the first female to play college football, she is the first to do so on a scholarship with an NCAA-affiliated program. Historically, there have been a few other women who played college football, but Rivers stands out as a trailblazer. Despite facing some negativity—like classmates teasing her about wearing her jersey to school—she channeled that criticism into motivation. “I faced a lot of doubt,” she admits, “but that only pushed me harder to prove them wrong.”
In addition to football, Alex will also be playing basketball at Adams State, but she isn’t preoccupied with the weight of her accomplishments. “I’m ready to compete and have no expectations beyond that,” she told ESPN.
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In summary, Alex Rivers is breaking barriers in the world of college football, becoming the first woman to secure an NCAA scholarship while demonstrating that passion and determination can defy societal norms.