Born: 1981 (Littleton, Colorado)
Biography:
Katharine Anne Hnida, better known as Katie Hnida, was born on May 17, 1981, in Littleton, Colorado. She would go on to become a trailblazer in American football, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Hnida is best known for being the first woman to score in an NCAA Division I-A game, achieving this historic moment on August 30, 2003, as the placekicker for the University of New Mexico Lobos.
Before her college football career, Hnida had already displayed exceptional talent and determination during her time at Chatfield Senior High School. As a member of the football team, she made an impressive 3 out of 3 field goal attempts and 27 out of 28 extra point attempts during her senior year. Her extraordinary skills on the field earned her a spot on the varsity team and even caught the attention of Teen People magazine, which named her one of America’s 20 most influential teens. Rick Reilly, a renowned sports journalist, also wrote a Life of Reilly column about her, further highlighting her impact.
After graduating from high school, Hnida enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her exceptional performance in high school football garnered her an invitation to join the Colorado Buffaloes football team as a walk-on freshman placekicker, extended by then coach Rick Neuheisel. Despite not seeing any playing time at Colorado, Hnida made history by becoming the second woman to dress for a Division I-A game and the first to do so in a bowl game. This momentous achievement occurred when the Buffaloes participated in the 1999 Insight.com Bowl. Hnida’s perseverance and dedication to the sport were unquestionable.
In 2000, Hnida faced setbacks when she fell ill with mononucleosis and tonsillitis, preventing her from competing for a roster spot. Determined to continue her football journey, she made the difficult decision to leave Colorado and transferred to the University of New Mexico in 2001. There, she joined the New Mexico Lobos football team as a walk-on placekicker, once again defying expectations.
Hnida’s time at New Mexico was marked by another groundbreaking achievement. In the 2002 Las Vegas Bowl against UCLA, she became the first woman to play in a Division I-A bowl game, although her extra point attempt was unfortunately blocked. However, her moment of triumph came on August 30, 2003, when, in a game against Texas State University, Hnida scored two extra points, becoming the first woman ever to score in a Division I-A game. This remarkable accomplishment solidified her place in history and inspired countless individuals, both on and off the field.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Hnida played a significant role in raising awareness about the unfortunate reality of sexual assault in sports. In February 2004, she bravely shared with Sports Illustrated writer Rick Reilly that she had been raped by one of her teammates during her time at the University of Colorado in 2000, shedding light on the deeply concerning issue of sexual harassment and assault within athletic programs. Hnida’s story served as a catalyst for important discussions surrounding the treatment of women in sports and prompted universities to take action to ensure the safety and well-being of their student-athletes.
Katie Hnida’s groundbreaking achievements and bravery have left an indelible impact on collegiate football and women’s sports as a whole. Her dedication, perseverance, and willingness to speak out against injustice have undoubtedly influenced athletes and advocates alike. Hnida’s trailblazing spirit sets an inspiring example for future generations and continues to shape the landscape of women’s history in sports.