FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio — Making an extra point during a scrimmage recently was a big moment for Fairfield Union High School Junior Isabella Neal.
Her skill has earned her a spot on the football team for the last two years, but it’s her competitive spirit that keeps the four-sport standout motivated.
“I’ve been really competitive since I was a child, and I’ve always loved sports and this was just a new challenge that I wanted to get into and compete with everyone else for a spot,” said Neal.
It was Neal who approached head football coach Sean Krupla about kicking on the team last season.
The second-year coach said it’s hard not to root for an athlete for Neal and her lead by example mentality.
“We need more competitors at this school. We need more kids playing multiple sports. I know she does four sports. She does football, soccer, basketball and track. So we just need more kids of that in general,” said Krupla.
Neal said she looks forward to her first made field goal, and whatever she can do to support the team.
“We’re a different team than last year. We’ve really grown, and we’re going to show Fairfield Union and everyone else in Fairfield Union how good we are. Playing on Friday night, it’s such a great experience. So much adrenaline rush out there,” said Neal.
Krupla said whatever Neal’s future holds, he hopes she takes this valuable experience with her and applies it to all facets of life.
“Be a good person, be a good mother, be a good wife, you know take this experience of being and just have it build her career as she leaves here and goes on and does better things with her life,” said Krupla.
Neal said she is still narrowing down her choices for college, but the junior is hoping to pursue Sports Medicine as a career path.
