Sports
Meadowbrook football female kicker Hailey Arnold
BYESVILLE Football, softball and gymnastics have always been Meadowbrook High junior Hailey Arnold's favorite sports.
Her main spectator sport has always been football. From supporting her beloved Colts on Friday night to cheering on her favorite college team on Saturday…Ohio State Buckeyes.
“I've always been a big football fan,” Arnold said. “I just love the atmosphere and excitement in the air on Friday nights at a football game at Meadowbrook or at the Horseshoe in Columbus during the Ohio State games.”
Now Hailey, the daughter of Jeff and Jessica Arnold, has added varsity soccer to her athletic resume by serving as the Colts' extra-point kicker this season.
In the process, she made Meadowbrook sports history by becoming the first female student-athlete to score a point in football.
“It feels really good to be the first woman in Meadowbrook to really contribute to the football team by scoring a point,” Arnold said. “I've had so much support from my teammates, coaches and the entire Meadowbrook community, which has really helped my confidence to go out and get the job done.”
Arnold also gave big compliments to her long snapper Casey Clendenning and holder Braylon Lowery.
“Casey and Braylon were so great to work with,” Arnold said. “We worked pretty hard the first three practices and now I feel like we're getting it done pretty well.”
Powder Puff training leads to history
Arnold never thought he'd have a shot at being on the field for the Colts, but during a crazy session at Meadowbrook's annual Powder Puff football game, that all changed.
“Last year at Powder Puff Football I was just messing around,” Arnold added. “And it just popped into my head: I wonder if I can kick football, after all, I played football for 12 years. So it's something I need to practice a lot… kicking, that is.”
A few assistant football coaches from Meadowbrook were at the Powder Puff game and noticed Arnold taking a few kicks.
“Coach Zane Zehnder and Tyler Baker encouraged me, and eventually they made a video of me kicking and sent it to Coach Norman,” Arnold explained. “And that really piqued my interest and got everything going.”
The Powder Puff video catches Coach Norman's attention
Meadowbrook head football coach Steve Norman admitted that the video he received of Arnold kicking during the Powder Puff game caught his attention.
“A few coaches showed me the video of her kicking at the Powder Puff competition last year and I was impressed,” Norman said. “We've had some trouble in that area over the last few seasons. She told me about her background in football and said she wanted to give it a try. When the offseason came around, I didn't hear much about it until I talked to Hailey and her father towards the end of spring.
“Since then, she's been showing up every day and working hard, whether it's in the weight room or on the practice field,” Norman added. “She still competes in gymnastics and takes classes at the college level. She is the definition of a student-athlete in my opinion. She is the first woman I have had play soccer.”
Build in preparation time at Kicking World
Once Arnold got Norman's approval to attend preseason workouts to try to land a spot as the Colts' placekicker, she went to work preparing for her opportunity.
“I went to a kicking camp this summer at Kicking World in Dublin,” Arnold said. “They were a big help, teaching me right from wrong and showing me some new techniques on how to kick a football. They were a big help in getting me started in the right direction.
“So I just took what I learned at camp and got to work,” Arnold continued. “Some things I've discovered on my own. I've just been trying to get really consistent with my technique, which is an important thing I learned during camp. I feel like I'm getting better and better, and that is my goal.”
Arnold's next step was to earn a spot on the roster
Norman allowed Arnold to attend preseason practices, but made it clear that she had to earn her spot on the team.
“Hailey has definitely earned her spot on the roster. We have weekly competitions for spots and each spot is earned weekly just like the others,” Norman said. “She earned her spot through her ability to kick. Her first kicks were strong and had a nice thumping sound when she hit the ball and had a nice ball trajectory. She was very open to any kind of help and coaching. She is very coachable and has a strong work ethic.”
Arnold explained that during preseason practices, she just tried to work hard and just be “One of the Guys”…and do everything that all the other players had to do.
“I wasn't looking for any special treatment and just wanted to be treated like anyone else,” Arnold said. “I do all the training, all the lifts that everyone else does. I don't call myself anything else, nor do my coaches or teammates, which I really appreciate.
“I was just looking for an opportunity to show that I can contribute and that's exactly what I got,” Arnold continued. “It was just an amazing experience and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try. If they gave me the opportunity to step out and get in on the action, I would do it in a heartbeat.
“I would play safety, corner, linebacker, anywhere, I would definitely be all in,” Arnold said. “But coach Norman isn't keen on that idea, and I don't see that becoming an option. But if that option were on the table, it would be a no-brainer.”
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Norman confirmed that he was indeed not eager to endanger Arnold in a scrimmage game.
“I'm sure Hailey would jump right into the action,” Norman said. “But I wouldn't feel comfortable with that, since she doesn't do the contact drills that those position players undergo since she's been doing it. I think it would be irresponsible on my part to put her in that situation, even if she mentally and physically possible. She is currently working hard on her craft, so we will stick with that for now.”
Arnold goes for the long term
Arnold responded quickly and emphatically when asked if she planned to return for her senior season with the Colts.
“Absolutely…no doubt about it,” Arnold confirmed. “I've loved every minute of this experience. I plan to keep working and get even better next year. I get so excited for Friday nights, the first few games I got a little nervous. But now, with all the I feel completely comfortable and looking forward to my opportunities to kick and contribute.”
Arnold even hinted that she might be willing to recruit some more female student-athletes onto the playing field.
“If a freshman or any other girl came up to me and asked me about playing, I would tell them to go for it,” Arnold added. “It's not just for boys, you just have to have the right mentality and it's just a lot of fun. I would recommend everyone to give it a try.”
Arnold is definitely very happy that she did.
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(This story has been updated to change a photo.)
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