By Tracy Riggs
Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
Kicking 20 out of 20 extra points in a first season of play is remarkable for any high school football player, but it’s even more impressive when you discover that Hewitt-Trussville High School’s kicker Jordan Lynn is female.
“I’ve always thought it would be awesome to kick for my football team as I am friends with most of the players and they’ve always encouraged me to go out for it,” Lynn, a senior, said about her experience as her school’s first female kicker.
“After I saw Carli Lloyd, one of my favorite soccer players, kick a 55-yarder at an NFL practice I knew I could do it too. I still play club soccer in the fall so I’m playing both soccer and football.”
Lynn received a lot of support from most adults and female classmates and teammates when she first shared her idea. Her dad was “over the moon,” she said, and her mom has always been her “No. 1 cheerleader.” And when she mentioned her idea to Hewitt-Trussville head coach John Floyd he also was excited because the team needed a kicker.
Lynn did encounter a little negativity at first, especially when she was named the starting kicker.
“I … did have some guy friends along the way who thought I couldn’t handle it or said I was not cut out for it,” she said. “That definitely was hard getting through but once the season started and I played my first game most of the hate comments went away as they realized girls can kick really well too.”
Her faith in Christ helped her get through that hard time.
“Throughout this whole process Jesus has been my rock in helping me attempt what seemed like an impossible goal to play football,” said Lynn, who attends Church of the Highlands. “Without knowing the Lord, I wouldn’t have been able to get through the hate comments and my impossible schedule.”
True to her faith
Staying busy with soccer, football, friends and family as well as teaching soccer skills to younger girls, Lynn admitted there is one down side to playing high school football.
“My least favorite part would have to be the times I would have to play a football game [Friday] night and wake up early Saturday morning to travel to play soccer the next day,” she said.
But through the experience she has learned to believe in herself and stay true to herself.
“My faith … helped bring light to the team,” she said. “I would just like to say that anyone who wants to do something that he or she believes in and feels too scared to try just remember Joshua 1:9: ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’”
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