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When the Elgin High School junior varsity football team needed a game-changing play last year, the coaches dialed up a blitz, entrusting sophomore linebacker Madeline Padron with the pivotal task.
She delivered, charging through the line to sack the opposing quarterback and clinch a win for the Wildcats.
“The sideline went crazy, she went crazy with excitement, and we were victorious,” Junior Varsity Head Coach Chris Mueller said. “Maddie is a great teammate. She makes everyone around her better with her work ethic and leadership attitude.”
Now a 16-year-old junior in her third year with the team, Padron is a rare presence on the field — a girl playing high school football and, even more uniquely, as a linebacker. According to her, playing football isn’t just about breaking gender norms, it’s about doing what she loves.
“I get asked a lot what it’s like to play football as a girl, and all I can say is that it’s something I enjoy,” Padron said. “Football isn’t like some side hobby to me. I am committed to something I love doing, and I encourage anyone to do the same.”
Padron stated she hopes to continue her football journey into her senior year, with aspirations of playing varsity and experiencing the excitement of Friday night lights, a level that hasn’t seen a female player in Elgin since a kicker joined the team around a decade ago.
“I want to be able to play under the Friday night lights,” Padron said. “I hope to walk out on a Friday evening to make great plays and get a win with my family.”
Padron’s journey into football didn’t follow a family tradition, she joined simply to try something new, a choice she’s grateful for today, she said.
“Joining this program has helped me for the better,” Padron added. “At the end of the day, I am very thankful that I joined football.”
Elgin High School Head Football Coach Heath Clawson praised Padron’s dedication and embodiment of the “Wildcat pride” philosophy.
“We talk about ‘Wildcat pride,’ doing things the right way, showing up every day, not complaining, putting in the work, holding others accountable, being unselfish and being a great teammate,” Clawson said. “She is all of these things.”
As Padron eyes her senior year, she’s ready to inspire and bring her best to a sport she has come to love, determined to leave a legacy on and off the field, according to the young linebacker.
“I get asked a lot what it’s like to play football as a girl, and all I can say is that it’s something I enjoy”
— Madeline Padron
