Lone Female Football Player Takes on the Boys in YAF
Left, Hannah Goman, #2, carries the ball for a big game on the reverse. (City-Times photo)
Photos and story by Robert Whitmire
The rough and tumble world of tackle football usually features the guys on the field and the girls cheering them on from the sidelines. One eleven year old is hoping to change that.
Stepping on the field in the 5/6 heavyweight division of the Youth Area Football League, Goman, of Stevens Point, is spending her first year playing with the boys.
Coach Ryan Schulfer said Goman was an integral part of the Lions successful start to the season on Saturday, when her team pulled out a 7-0 win on a late game interception return by the Lions defense for a touchdown.
“Hannah is very athletic and a talented leader on the field for us”, said Schulfer, the Lion’s coach. “I think it would very beneficial to the league and the sport if more girls came out to develop a passion and interest for the game.”
Before joining YAF, Goman played football for two years in Almond-Bancroft and she also took a turn on the wrestling mat. Goman plays both safety and receiver for the Lions.
Goman is a student at Bannach Elementary School. Her mother, Michelle Stasser- Goman, said she keeps herself busier than most 11 year olds. In addition to football, Hannah is involved in dance and gymnastics, is a member of 4-H and the Bannach Student Council. She also sings in the choir and plays flute in the band.
“She is never afraid to try anything new and it doesn’t bother her what people think about it, either,” said Strasser-Goman. ”
So how does Hannah think she stacks up to the boys?
“They think I’m not as strong as them, but I show them. I think they get the hint now.”
