HOUSTON – Nothing says Texas football like green grass, loyal fans, and -- female linebackers? That's the case for the Creekwood Middle School B Team and their starting linebacker, Destiny Armendariz. It took some teammates time to get used to having a girl on the team.
"Whenever you say it they're like, 'Oh, she's just a girl, she can't hit.' And then they see you and they're like, 'Oh okay," Armendariz said.
This is Armendariz's second year on the gridiron. Her coach said she not only continues to steadily improve. In a game dominated by males, she's become a leader on the field.
"She's a football player," said head coach Paul Hinson. "She plays just like the boys do and there's a lot of times I can't say it and I won't say it, but 'Hey, you all need to be more like Destiny.' And they follow her lead."
Armendariz's love for football is truly a family affair. Her passion for the game came from her late grandfather, was fully supported by her parents and aided by her big brother Emil, who also plays football and gives his little sister helpful pointers.
"It's awesome," said her mother, Theresa. "I mean, I support her 150 percent. I just think it's amazing."
Armendariz said she wants to play football next year in high school and eventually become the first female to play major college football as a linebacker. Make sure you don't count her out. After all, her name is Destiny. And she has advice for any other girls who might want to play football.
"Once you have everything on -- the pads and the helmet -- you're just like everyone else," she said. "If you go out and play hard, nothing can keep you from it."
Humble Independent School District may be starting a trend. Amya Anglin, another eighth-grade girl who plays football, is a starting safety for Woodcreek Middle School.
