Being a freshman on one of the biggest high school football teams in the state is already intimidating.
But also being the only girl on the football team? That takes courage, passion, and determination.
“I was definitely very nervous when I first started,” said freshman Ella LaMaitre. “It’s been a lot for the other players to adjust to since none of them have had a girl on their team before. It’s pretty uncommon.”
Although LaMaitre comes from a football loving family that spends most weekends either watching or playing the sport, she hasn’t always been an avid participant. She was a competitive volleyball player before she was convinced to join her first recreational flag football team.
Standing at 6-foot-1, her effective height gave her an advantage on the volleyball court. It’s now giving her an advantage on the football field, where she’s one of more than 100 players in the Raptor football program.
Also effective has been LaMaitre’s two brothers – her twin Ian, and Paul is a senior on the football team. Their support has played a vital role in her success.
“I have a twin brother who has Aspergers. It’s actually really cool because he’s able to think differently about the game and give his teammates some interesting insight,” LaMaitre said.
She holds a close bond with Ian, but also with her oldest brother Paul. Because Paul is three years older than her, she’s been able to learn a variety of crucial skills from him.
“He’s a really great guy. He’s a hard worker and is enrolled in a lot of AP classes. He’s exactly how I would picture myself to be like if I was a boy,” LaMaitre said.
Being able to play the sport they love together has led these siblings to understand, value, and respect each other on a deep level. They’ve always been family oriented, but they’re more tight knit now than ever.
“I want to be first string JV next year and eventually work my way up to varsity like my brothers did,” she said. “I would love to play in college if the opportunity presents itself as well.”
Her varsity teammates, specifically junior kicker Trey Patton and sophomore punter Julian Trujillo, have taken her under their wing. According to LaMaitre, they’ve befriended her, protected her, and given her some of their best advice.
Even though she’s not a “brother,” she’s part of ECB – Eaglecrest Brotherhood.
“Having Ella on our team brings a lot of new diversity to our culture,” Trujillo said. “Us bringing her on represents what ECB is all about. We’re a very welcoming and accepting group. I see a bright future ahead of her.”
LaMaitre’s future and her goals are not unimaginable, but will take a plethora of patience and grit to accomplish.
“I make sure that I’m always taking care of my body and staying on top of my academics. It’s important that my mental state is in just as good of a condition as my physical state is too,” LaMaitre said.
As she’s adjusted to this new environment, she’s had to face people’s negative comments. They’ve taken a slight toll on her well-being.
She said that some argue she’s taking over some of the male athletes’ opportunities to get on the field and play. Others argue that she should not have to endure the same brutality that the boys do and should settle for flag football instead.
“I try my best to ignore the hate I receive and just work towards improving,” LaMaitre said. “I’m lucky enough to have a secure support system that reassures me through the hard times. I’m not going to lie, talking to guys has been a bit challenging since they almost see me as their equal. I chose to continue down this path though, and I don’t regret a single thing.”
As the season comes to an end, LaMaitre hopes to kick her team to victory in the playoffs.
