Female High School Quarterback Scores Touchdown for Girls Everywhere

In Broward County, Florida, telling an athlete that they “throw like a girl” is about to become a compliment.

Meet Erin DiMeglio, a 17-year-old senior at South Plantation High School and a quarterback for the Paladins varsity football team. A college basketball prospect, Erin initially tried flag football as a way to stay in shape and showcase her athleticism to college scouts. Instead, her natural ability caught the eye of Douglas Gatewood, head coach of the Paladins varsity squad.

DiMeglio showed confidence and poise in her preseason debut, completing two passes and displaying the leadership skills that have impressed coach Gatewood from the beginning.

“I couldn’t take the smile off my face,” DiMeglio said. “You’d think the other team would want to know why I’m there, but other players have been great. After the game, they shook my hand and said it was great I was playing football.”

As of now, DiMeglio is the team’s third-string quarterback, and is unlikely to see significant playing time. Still, it seems equally unlikely that the lack of playing time will wipe the smile off Erin’s face, or diminish this incredible story in any way.

Watch a video of Erin in action below.