Junior Girl Plays With The Boys, Joins Ridge HS Football Team

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Sophia Cunningham is not afraid to play with the boys. The Ridge High School Junior Varsity Football team is kicking off its season this year with Cunningham as its only girl player.

"I’ve always wanted to play football since I was in fifth grade," Cunningham said. "But since I was a girl I was never allowed to until Coach Tracy finally gave me a chance."

Cunningham had lived in Morristown before moving to Basking Ridge last year. Morristown was hesitant to allow Cunningham to play football so when she started attending Ridge she reached out to Bernards Township’s Football Head Coach Bill Tracy.

Tracy was all for Cunningham joining his team. This school year will be Tracy’s 11th year coaching at Ridge. Prior to that he was head coach in Livingston where he also had a girl play on the football team.

"I said sure when she asked," Tracy said. "I was excited for her as I would be for anyone coming out for the team."

"Sophia is a great kid, and we have an amazing team that takes care of each other whether you are a boy or girl," Tracy said. "I am excited for her to be a part of it."

Cunningham has been practicing with the team and participating in training camp this summer. She will be a running back on the offensive side and defensive back on the defensive side.

This year is Cunningham’s first time playing football or any contact sport. She had played soccer for many years, which is similar in concept.

"I’ve been playing soccer since as long as I can remember so this is an interesting change," Cunningham said. "This is definitely a team sport where we work as a family… It’s a lot of fun and they are really supportive and it really feels like a team and family. They have been very welcoming."

Cunningham will be the only girl player out of the 56 athletes on any of Bernards Township’s football teams. The last time a girl played on Ridge's football team was about six years ago.

"My parents have both been really supportive and also scared because I am a girl," Cunningham said.

Cunningham is encouraging other girls to follow their passions and play football. She even had her friend join the football team at Morristown High School.

The Ridge JV Football team will kick off its season on Friday, Sept. 13 against Hunterdon Central.

"I am excited for all the kids on the team," Tracy said. "It is a unique situation."

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