Becca Longo

American kicker who became the first woman to receive a NCAA Division II football scholarship, playing for Adams State University in Colorado.

Born on June 14, 1998, in Phoenix, Arizona, Rebecca "Becca" Longo grew up in a sports-oriented family that encouraged her athletic pursuits from an early age. She developed her kicking skills through soccer before transitioning to American football during her high school years at Basha High School in Chandelier, Arizona. Longo's determination to compete at the highest levels led her to pursue football despite being the only female player in her conference. Longo's breakthrough came during her senior year of high school when her consistent performance as a placekicker caught the attention of college recruiters. Her accuracy and range on field goals and extra points demonstrated that gender was irrelevant to her technical abilities. She maintained her focus on academics while training rigorously to compete against male counterparts, proving her capabilities on the field through measurable results rather than publicity. In February 2017, Longo achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to receive a football scholarship offer at the NCAA Division II level when Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, offered her a partial scholarship. This groundbreaking moment generated widespread media coverage across national and international outlets, highlighting both her individual achievement and broader questions about gender integration in American football. She subsequently joined the Adams State Grizzlies as their placekicker, competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Longo's significance extends beyond her personal accomplishments to her role as a pioneer for women in American football. Her scholarship offer opened conversations about opportunities for female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports and inspired other young women to pursue football at competitive levels. She has served as an advocate and speaker, visiting schools and events to discuss her experiences and encourage broader participation. Her story has been referenced in academic research and policy discussions examining gender integration in collegiate athletics, establishing her as a catalyst for ongoing changes in American football programs nationwide.

Kicker specializing in field goals and extra points

Broke gender barriers in collegiate football and inspired women to pursue opportunities in male-dominated sports

• First woman to receive NCAA football scholarship
• Pioneer of women in college football
• Community ambassador for women in sport