Female Defensive Lineman Says Don’t Let Intimidation and Stereotypes Stop You

Jillian Curran was the only female football player on the 2021 CPM football team. She was mainly a defensive lineman but sometimes played wide receiver. She loved the team and thinks of her teammates as family.

Head Coach Pedro Monillas says, “I have had female players in the past, but Jullian has been 1 of 3 that have actually finished the whole season.” Some things Jillian faced that the coaches will take into consideration for next year is, “Jillian had to change in the female locker room. She sometimes missed announcements that I made in the male locker room. In the future, I want to make sure that I communicate with the female players better.”

Jillian wants to make sure that any other female football players that would like to join the team will not be intimidated by the stereotypical “only boys can play football.” She says that the coaches are very supportive.

Jillian says, “The team worked well together, always cheering each other on and making jokes.”