Born: 1999
Sarah Fuller (born June 20, 1999) is a retired American soccer goalkeeper and football player. She made history as the first woman to play in a football game for a Power Five conference team. Throughout her career, Fuller displayed immense talent and determination, breaking barriers and inspiring others.
Fuller’s journey in sports began at a young age. She discovered her passion for soccer at the age of five and quickly excelled in the sport. Standing at 6-foot-2-inches, she possessed a natural advantage as a goalkeeper. Her impressive leg strength, which allowed her to kick the ball over 60 yards, caught the attention of the football coaches at Wylie High School in Texas.
While attending Wylie High School, Fuller served as the starting goalie for two years and was named the 2017 District 6-6A Goalkeeper of the Year. Her exceptional skills on the soccer field led her to receive a soccer scholarship at Vanderbilt University in 2017.
Fuller faced some setbacks during her college soccer career. She broke her foot before her freshman year and had to sit out the season. Injuries continued to plague her, causing her to play behind two senior goalkeepers in her sophomore year. Fuller only played in two games in her first three years at Vanderbilt.
The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted Fuller’s soccer career, as five exhibition games were canceled, limiting her opportunity to showcase her skills to her coaches. Despite these challenges, Fuller remained determined and dedicated to her craft.
Finally, in her senior year in 2020, Fuller got her chance to shine. She made her first career start against South Carolina in October, recording an impressive six saves. From that moment on, she became the starting goalie for the Vanderbilt Commodores, finishing the season with a 7-2-0 record, 28 total saves, and a remarkable 75.5 save percentage. Her exceptional performance earned her recognition as she led the Commodores to a conference tournament championship in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
However, Fuller’s journey didn’t end there. On November 28, 2020, she made history by becoming the first woman to play in a football game for a Power Five conference team. She handled the kickoff duties for the Commodores against Missouri, breaking barriers and proving that women can compete at the highest level of college football.
Just two weeks later, Fuller achieved another groundbreaking moment by kicking an extra point in a game against Tennessee, making her the first woman to score in a Power Five football game. Fuller’s achievements garnered widespread attention and captivated the nation, inspiring countless individuals, particularly young girls, to dream big and pursue their passions without limitations.
Following her remarkable senior season at Vanderbilt, Fuller transferred to North Texas Mean Green as a graduate transfer. Her impact and influence extended beyond her performances on the field. Fuller’s courage, resilience, and success in breaking barriers have solidified her place in women’s history. She has become a symbol of equality and a role model for aspiring female athletes, paving the way for more opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated sports.
Although Fuller has retired from professional sports, her legacy continues to inspire generations to come. Her impact on women’s history and her contributions to breaking gender barriers in sports will forever be remembered. Sarah Fuller’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the ability of individuals to make a lasting impact on society.
Awards:
– Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament Championship with Vanderbilt Commodores (2020)