Izzi Blue Pennington: Carver Wildcats Football Kicker
Eighth grader Izzi Blue Pennington is the kicker for the Carver Middle School football team. She talks to us about trying out and playing football on an all-male team.
TulsaKids: Tell us about joining the Carver Middle School Wildcats football team.
Izzi: I played flag football for fun last year and had a blast. My brother’s flag football coach (my dad’s friend) showed me how to kick a field goal, and I caught on pretty fast. I’ve also been a goalie in competitive soccer for six years and have a pretty strong kick. I heard the Carver 8th grade team didn’t have a kicker, so I decided to try out.
TulsaKids: Have you always enjoyed football?
Izzi: Yes! I love playing football around the house with my dad and my brother. Besides soccer, I’ve played basketball, softball and futsal, too.
TulsaKids: How did it feel to try out for the boys’ football team?
Izzi: At some points, it was very overwhelming. Having to kick in front of all the boys on the team and the coaches was a lot of pressure, but it all worked out in the end. They have all been very kind and supportive.
TulsaKids: How does it feel to be part of the team?
Izzi: It feels great! I feel very welcomed and very supported by my teammates and my coaches.
TulsaKids: What kinds of reactions do your teammates have toward you as a female player?
Izzi: They all think I’m good and treat me like any other player. There really haven’t been any bad reactions at all.
TulsaKids: What has been your best experience about being on the team so far?
Izzi: Making my first field goal, and all the guys on the team screaming and cheering for me.
TulsaKids: What about the worst thing?
Izzi: Having my PAT (point after touchdown) tipped in the game. I don’t like to miss.
TulsaKids: Do you participate in the same drills and practices as the boys?
Izzi: No, I do not. I kick all practice, and the trainers get the balls for me while I kick. They are my friends from school. During each practice with the boys, we practice game time field goals, kick-offs and PATs.
TulsaKids: Who inspires you and why?
Izzi: My mom. She is super supportive of me and has always believed in me when no one else does. She pushes me to try my best and to work hard.
TulsaKids: What advice would you give to other girls who might want to play football?
Izzi: I would tell them they can do anything they set their minds to. Don’t let another person bring you down. You can do whatever you want to do. Set goals for yourself and work hard to achieve your goals, and don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.
TulsaKids: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Izzi: My middle name is Blue, and my family and close friends call me Blue. And I LOVE soft pretzels more than any other food!
TulsaKids: Any final words you’d like to say?
Izzi: Yes, that anything is possible, and everything happens for a reason and never give up on your dream. You can do anything you set your mind to as long as you have dedication.
