Burlington, IA - Burlington High School junior Mikenna Pender is set to make school history this fall as she follows her dreams as the first girl on the varsity football team.
The Grayhounds have a newly-renovated stadium, a new head coach, and a new kicker.
Mikenna Pender says she started playing football when she was 12, and she loves the sport. As she becomes the first female member of the Burlington team, she says it took a little while but the rest of the players accept her as part of the team.
"It feels like a real family," Penner said.
New head coach Zach Shay agrees.
"She does a great job and we're excited to have her," Shay said.
The Grayhounds' season starts when they face Davenport Central at Brady Street Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, August 28.