Raeana Tarantino

My name is Raeana Tarantino. I am a 12-year-old girl from Toms River, New Jersey. I play tackle football on an all-boys team called The Toms River North Indians. I play on both offense and defense as a wide receiver, running back, cornerback, safety and linebacker. I started my football journey playing flag football at age 7 and since have progressed to playing tackle football. Last year was my first tackle football season and I loved it from the very start. I was very nervous being the only girl on an all-boys team but my teammates and coaches were so welcoming and I knew some kids on the team going into the season which made it easier. My team very quickly became a football family and a huge support system for me. A lot of the teams we have played are always confused when they first see me but once I prove myself on the field they have been pretty supportive. Although my team and other teams have been supportive the rest of the world has not been as welcoming when it came to the idea of a female football player. I received some local publicity and there were so many hateful comments, but for every hateful comment there were way more positive comments of people telling me I inspired them, at that point, I realized this was so much more than just a sport, it was an opportunity for me to make a change. Women are strong and powerful and they can do anything they set their mind to and football has given me the opportunity to share that message.

I am so lucky to have a family that supports me in everything I do and they were so excited when I told them I wanted to play because we LOVE football. All of my uncles also played football and they dedicate so much time to training and teaching me. My uncles all played football for Toms River High School North and I want to carry on the tradition and continue to play when I reach high school.  My family, who I also refer to as my fan club and management team always makes me feel like whatever I am doing is the most important thing in the world. They come to every practice and every game and I always know they’re there because they’re the loudest family on the bleachers! They continuously motivate me to do my best and I hope to continue to make them proud. Each member of my family has inspired me for different reasons from a young age. But, I have learned so much from my Mom. She is the strongest person I know and she raised me to work hard, be fearless and stand up for what I believe in. I hope to inspire someone the way my family has inspired me.

My best advice for a young athlete would be to work hard for what you want. During football season I practice 4 days a week. During the offseason, I train 5 days a week with a mix of speed, agility and football training. My trainer always tells me that “champions are made in the offseason.” Everybody wants to be a great athlete but very few people will actually put in the work, so make sure you work hard, stay focused and be a constant student of the game. I truly believe it is important to find a sport you love. Sports give you confidence, leadership skills, physical and mental strength and resilience and all of those skills can assist in creating a great future for yourself in sports, careers and life. The world needs more women who are not afraid to stand up and speak up for what they believe in. Sports can give you the strength to shed some light on the major inequalities and injustices in the world. Football has given me that opportunity and I am so thankful for that.