Opinion: Sarah Fuller
Sarah Fuller. The name that has circulated the internet over the past few weeks has left people either disgusted or overjoyed. She’s managed to make a progressive step for females in the sports industry by proving to many that her abilities are just as good as her male peers. Fuller has been recognized as the first female kicker for the SEC powerhouse, Vanderbilt. But who really is Sarah Fuller?
Firstly, she is the precedent of a dedicated athlete. Not only is she known for her groundbreaking kicks that have led her to this college opportunity, but she has also exceeded in all different types of sports throughout her entire life. From starting off with basketball, to then going on to play volleyball and soccer, Fuller has been a fierce competitor throughout her entire life. Her family has always valued sports, and even her parents stimulated her athleticism through strict scheduling of multiple sports in her youth.
Her persistence was the main attribute for her success, but beginning in her freshman year of college, it would be put to the test. Fuller broke her foot and had to sit out the entire season. From the sidelines, she continued to support her team and aid their efforts in games and practices. However, managing college life and the mental and physical stress of an injury took a toll on her mental health. She soon suffered a back injury her sophomore year, and later received another stress fracture. She knew she had hit rock bottom, but the hard, cold floor wasn’t enough to drive her away from the sports she loved. Fuller managed to recover from her injuries and came back stronger than ever. During COVID-19, she received her big break and was scouted to become a kicker on the Vanderbilt football team.
Fuller showcased a barrier break between the scale of athleticism in boys and girls as she proved she was able to play at the top level in one of the top conferences in a male-dominated sport. She has become a role model for many young girls, showing them that they should never settle for less than what they shoot for. Any girl is capable of playing at any level they desire, and Fuller demonstrated that the common sexist stereotypes can be broken. Yet recently, she has received tremendous criticism from across America that places doubt on her position and physical abilities next to males as a whole. So far, she has handled all undermining statements with grace; she has ignored the hate and continued to prove her doubters wrong. The hate has motivated her to work even harder. Her mainstream career has just begun and she has already made history. Her further accomplishments will continue to shock and amaze America as the college football season starts.