Meet Haley Van Voorhis: The First Woman to Play in a D-III Shenandoah CFB Game as a Non-Kicker

Haley Van Voorhis became the first woman to play in an NCAA college football game at a position other than kicker or punter.

College football has been filled with historic moments this season, showcasing the progress and significance of the sport. From sold-out season tickets at Colorado to Missouri's Harrison Mevis kicking the longest field goal in SEC history, there have been remarkable achievements. However, amidst all these moments, one stands out as truly groundbreaking.

Haley Van Voorhis, a 5-foot-6 junior from Shenandoah University, made history by becoming the first woman to play in an NCAA college football game at a position other than kicker or punter. This unprecedented milestone took place during the Hornets' dominant 48-7 victory against Juanita College. In the first quarter, Van Voorhis blitzed on a crucial third down, pressuring the quarterback and forcing an incomplete pass.

Prior to this historic moment, Van Voorhis had spent the last two seasons playing on Shenandoah's JV team. She is a multi-sport athlete who also competes in track and field, specializing in sprints and relays. Additionally, she was a two-time MVP of her high school basketball team at Christchurch School.

Van Voorhis joins the ranks of other trailblazing women in college football. In 2020, Sarah Fuller of Vanderbilt became the first woman to score points in a Power Five football game. Women have also made strides as kickers and punters at the college level. However, Van Voorhis's position as a safety, a role typically associated with legendary players like Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, marks a new and fantastic achievement.

While Van Voorhis's accomplishment is remarkable, it is part of a larger trend of women's involvement in football. According to a study by the National Football League, the number of girls playing high school tackle football has significantly increased over the years. In 2008, approximately 500 girls participated, compared to 2,404 in 2018, showcasing a five-fold increase in just a decade. This growth is evident across the country, with players like Brooklyn Harker becoming the first female safety at Chapel Hill's high school team in 2021.

Van Voorhis's passion for football has been ingrained in her since childhood, and now she has the opportunity to pursue it at the college level. This is a remarkable achievement that deserves widespread recognition and applause.

In conclusion, college football has witnessed numerous historic moments this season, but Haley Van Voorhis's groundbreaking feat as the first woman to play a non-kicking position in an NCAA college football game is truly awe-inspiring. It represents the progress and inclusivity of the sport, as more women continue to make their mark on the football field. Van Voorhis's passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring female football players everywhere.

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