Born: 1985 (Rockton, Illinois)
Biography:
Julie Harshbarger (born December 9, 1985) is an American football placekicker who has made a significant impact in the world of professional football. She is most known for being the first woman to score a field goal in Indoor football, as a member of the Chicago Cardinals of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL). With a career spanning seven seasons and counting, Harshbarger holds the record for the longest documented career for a woman playing professional football in leagues dominated by men. Her achievements have made her an inspiration to many, breaking barriers and paving the way for other women in the sport.
Harshbarger grew up in Rockton, Illinois, where she displayed remarkable talent on both the soccer and football fields while attending Hononegah Community High School. Her exceptional performance as an athlete earned her a soccer scholarship offer from Rockford College. During her time at Rockford College, she excelled in soccer and received the honor of being twice named All-Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference as a soccer player. However, Harshbarger’s passion for football led her to also join the college’s football team as their kicker.
After two years at Rockford College, Harshbarger transferred to Benedictine University. Here, she further developed her skills and continued to excel in both soccer and football. Once again, she received the recognition of being twice named All-NIIC for soccer. In her senior year, Harshbarger had a standout performance, scoring five goals and leading the Benedictine team with seven assists.
In 2010, Harshbarger sought to take her talents to the professional level and tried out for the Chicago Cardinals. Initially cut from the team before the season started, she received a call back three weeks into the season due to the team’s kicking struggles. This opportunity made Harshbarger the second woman ever to play in the CIFL, with the first being Katie Hnida of the Fort Wayne Firehawks.
Harshbarger’s debut as a professional placekicker was remarkable. She became the first woman to score a field goal in an indoor football professional game, connecting with a 24-yard field goal against the Fort Wayne Firehawks. Her persistence and skill set the stage for future women aspiring to break into the male-dominated sport. Despite facing challenges and being vastly outnumbered by male players, Harshbarger remained resilient, motivated, and determined to achieve success on the field.
During her time with the Chicago Cardinals, Harshbarger faced numerous obstacles but continued to make strides in her career. She finished the season with one successful field goal out of 16 attempts and converted four out of eleven point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempts. Although her statistics may not reflect a perfect record, her impact and presence on the field transcended mere numbers, becoming a symbol of empowerment for women everywhere.
Despite being a free agent in recent years, Harshbarger’s legacy remains an integral part of women’s history in football. Her perseverance and dedication have brought attention to the barriers that women face in the sport and have opened doors for future generations. Harshbarger’s accomplishments and contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of professional football, and her inspiring journey continues to inspire others to challenge stereotypes and pursue their dreams.