COULSON ON THE GRIDIRON
Coulson's path to the football team wasn't exactly formed by a lifelong love of the sport. She accepted a challenge and impressed the coaches.
Photo by Randy Sartin
She's never played a down of football in her life, but the Generals haven't had much of a kicking game the last few years, so Welch asked Coulson to try out last spring.
She passed with flying colors.
Coulson won't be expected to make tackles after kick off.
Photo by Randy Sartin
According to Welch, Coulson will kick off and run directly off the field for protection and has field goal range of about 35 yards.
"When he first asked me to try out, I didn't think he meant it," Coulson said. "I always kidded with him that I could kick better than his kickers. He took me up on it."
Said Welch: "We said, 'Let's see what you got,' and then she did. We (all the other coaches) looked at each other and knew we had ourselves a kicker."
It wasn't quite that simple, however. A girl playing primarily a boys' sport — a sometimes violent one — needed some special considerations.
"I had to ask my mom and after we got some details figured out, everyone was on board," Coulson said. "I know a lot of guys on the team and they seem cool with it.
"I guess I'm a little nervous, but I'm always up for a challenge. I think everyone knows I'm pretty silly generally, but I know when it's time be serious and when to have fun."
