The members of this school’s football team are some of the strongest, most athletic guys in the whole school- except for one player. Sophomore Samantha Eastes is the only girl on the football team and the first girl at Carmel to ever kick an extra point during a varsity football game. According to Eastes, she hopes she can make a difference by showing people that they can do whatever they want despite who they are.

Who influences you the most in regards to football? In your life? At the school?

Definitely my parents. They always support me and encourage me to do what I want do to. A lot of the coaches influence me as well. They help make me feel like a real part of the team.

Who or what inspired you to pursue football?

I am mostly a soccer player, and I wanted to broaden my sports background. It seemed like a good sport to play, along with soccer.

What are some of your achievements on the football team?

I was the first girl for Carmel to kick for an extra point during a football game. It was against North Central, and I made it.

Do you think that you have influenced anyone on or off the field?

I would like to think that I have, but I don’t really know. I would like it if people saw me and thought that they could do anything.

If you have influenced people, how?

I would hope that people would see me and would do whatever they want to do, despite what others think of them.

Do you feel like you have a lot of supporters?

I do. I know that the coaches support me, and my parents do as well. The whole team supports me, and we look out for each other.

What were your first feelings when you started playing football on the team?

When I started playing in eighth grade, I first thought, “What did I get myself into?” I was wondering how much the guys would accept me, and I wanted to prove I was meant to be there.

How does being the only girl on the team impact you? What challenges do you face?

The locker situation is the main thing. I have to wait for all the guys to get in the locker room before I can get my area. I can’t be in there while any guys are.

What are the reactions of people when you tell them that you play football?

I think they are kind of surprised, but also supportive. They think it’s cool that I play football.

Who has been like a teacher for you in football or life?

My eighth grade football coach, Coach (Josh) Cole. He was always someone to look up to. I knew I could go to him for anything.

What are your future plans with football?

I would like to continue mostly with soccer, through all four years of high school at least. I would like to do both soccer and football, but probably mostly soccer.