Odessa High Kicker Looking to Split Uprights, Break Barriers in 2017

ODESSA, TX-- When you think of football players, I'm sure images of JJ Watt's broken, bloody nose and high profile athletes dancing in the end-zone after a touchdown come to the forefront of your imagination. I'm also sure you don't think of a blonde headed girl suiting up and taking the field for her school. However, times are changing as one Odessa High School football player is showing us.

"You know, if guys can cheer and play our sports, we can play their sports," said Odessa High senior kicker Baylee Gamble to KWES in Odessa.

Gamble's path to the gridiron is one that you typically see for kickers across the nation, as she's played soccer since the age of four. Gamble also earned a starting spot on the Bronchos JV squad during her sophomore year. That same path for Gamble, however, has come with some bumps for the senior with "some girlfriends mad" at the fact Gamble was playing football. "They said some hateful comments on social media and in the hallways," Gamble added to KWES.

Gamble's friends weren't the only ones who struggled with the concept of a female playing football. "It took them a little while to warm-up to me," Gamble mentioned. "The guys have that locker room bond and I don't." 

Gamble also admits to an affinity for the rush she gets while playing. "I know if I don't get that ball off, I'm going to get hit," Gamble said.

Gamble has yet to record any points or playing time this season for OHS, who have used two other kickers on their eight extra point attempts this season.

The Bronchos (2-0) take on Lubbock Coronado (2-0) at Ratliff Stadium tonight at 7:30 p.m. and will host the Central Bobcats on Oct. 6.