As a female football player at Arlington High School, senior Shantel Rodgers hasn’t let cruel threats or injury stand in her way of making a mean tackle on the field as outside linebacker and running back No. 33.
“When I take off my helmet, I can hear people ask, ‘is that a girl on their team?’,” said 16-year-old Shantel. “I don’t take off my helmet (much) because I don’t want people to know and underestimate me. In my first year of playing, a guy threatened me and it was so bad, my coach wouldn’t let me play.”
Teammates and her coach, Steve Mooreman had worries when Shantel first step foot on the field but time has allowed them to trust and treat her as part of the team.
“I explained to her, it would be a little different than what she thought it was going to be and she was pretty confident she could handle it. We accommodated her with locker rooms and she comes and works hard everyday,” said Moorman, head coach at Arlington High School.
“Shantel works just as hard as the guys and she’s holding her own and because of that she’s gained a lot of respect. There was no accommodation as far as changing practice routines. We’re tough on them.”
Rodger’s mother, Terri Rodgers said she also had apprehensions about letting her daughter play the male-dominated sport, but the promise she has made to her children rang an alarm in her memory.
“I promised both of my children whatever they decide to do, I would stand behind them,” said Terri. “I initially didn’t want her to play football because I was afraid she was going to get hurt, but I’ve kept my promise of support and I pray everyday. I’m at every game, in town or out of town, even if I have to take off of work.”
She continued, “I tell everyone, ‘Hey, you know there’s a girl on the team and it’s my daughter.’ When people hear that, it makes them want to go to the game just to support her.”
Shantel’s football career began in the 7th grade and was an addition to other sports such as basketball and bowling. In late 2014, as Shortridge High School transitioned into an International Baccalaureate program, Arlington High School returned to Indianapolis Public Schools’ management, which meant changing buildings for several students. A great number of Shortridge’s students became Arlington students this fall. Rodgers said it wasn’t difficult to continue playing football while changing schools since most of the players and coaches made the transition as well.
“The coaches want players who are committed so if you show up to practice and put in hard work, they will let you play,” she said.
Last year, Shantel suffered a concussion but her mother said she “bounced back” quickly. A few weeks ago Shantel experienced deep chest pains and shortness of breath.
“The second day of school, while at practice, it was hard to breath while running drills but then my chest started hurting really bad,” recalls Shantel who also has exercise-induced asthma, a condition triggered by vigorous or prolonged exercise or physical exertion. “I kept trying to push through it, but the more I did, the more it hurt.”
After seeing several doctors, she was diagnosed with chest inflammation and told to take to Advil twice a day. Shantel stepped back on the field mid last week.
“People think because I’m not as big, as fast or as strong that I can’t do it. Last night I made a good tackle and everyone went crazy,” laughed Shantel. “Every small thing I do gets magnified and I never think it’s that big of a deal.”
As graduation approaches, Shantel said she looks forward to attending college and playing football if given the opportunity. She wants to major in sports management and one day become a sports agent or general manager for an athletic franchise. Until then, residents can find this Arlington student at the Indiana Fever basketball games where she acts as a Ball Kid and on the football field at her school.
“I hope I inspire others girls to play,” said Shantel. “A lot of parents say they would never allow their daughters to play football but I believe I’m showing them if you want to do something, you can go out and do it.”
