When it comes to the game of football, most people are remembered for the impact they make on the football field. But there is one player from East L.A. College who may be remembered just for stepping on the field.
Antoinette "Toni" Harris has already broken barriers and now, she has made history, becoming the first female skill player to receive a full scholarship to play college football. Admittedly, it's a big weight to carry on her shoulders.
“I had to push myself more mentally and physically because I knew it was getting harder and harder every time," she said. "[But]
“I refuse to take no for an answer.”
That's because not only has she always had to compete with a group of boys in the locker room and on the field, she was always competing with herself. Throughout her career, she has had coaches and teammates tell her she couldn't do it, that a girl could not play football. But no matter what, she kept going.
“I was always ready, and after a while they just couldn’t say no,” Harris said with a smile.
The toughness she displays on field, she carries with her off of it. She hasn't just broken barriers in the sport, she's persevered through her share of challenges. At age four, she was put into the foster care system, and then at age 18, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sports helped shaped her determination and kept her strong through it all.
"The sky is not the limit, I don’t believe the sky is the limit," she said when asked about what keeps her motivated. "I’m actually in it to win it right now."