High school athletes break barriers on football teams

Hawkins County, Tennessee — In a region where high school football rosters typically feature all male players, two schools have welcomed female athletes to join their teams. Cherokee and Sullivan East High Schools have broken barriers as girls, Sarah Snell and Brianna Austin, lace up their cleats and fight for their respective football squads.

Freshman Sarah Snell of the Cherokee Indians has played wide receiver and defensive back for a few seasons. She told News Channel 11 that her love for the sport stems from her father and grandfather who also played. Head coach Josh Hensley stated that Snell has been on his radar for several seasons, but her impact is off the field. She works hard and shows up with a great attitude, making her a valuable teammate and potential player.

Meanwhile, Brianna Austin, joining the Sullivan East Patriots, has aimed to play football her whole life and finally tried it in her high school year. On the field, Snell and Austin feel welcomed by their teams, with Austin noting the supportive attitude of the offensive and defensive lines. Both girls have been embraced by their teammates and coaches alike, who describe them as supportive, respectful, and like brothers and sisters.

Hawkins County's athletic director, Hensley, shared that the teams have welcomed similar players before, but Snell and Austin hope to open new doors for future female athletes. Snell encouraged others to follow their dreams, emphasizing the importance of positivity, hard work, and persistence. Both Cherokee and Sullivan East are gearing up for their upcoming Friday night games against Seymour and Grainger, respectively.