Kids & Family

Grayslake Colts Player Proves Girls Can Hang With Boys on Football Field

Ashlyn Eslinger is the only female football player in the Grayslake Colts Football organization.

During a particularly exciting moment at one of the Grayslake Colts LightWeight Pac10 Black Team's games this season, a member of the team chased a player down the line, tackling him to keep him from scoring a touchdown.

The Grayslake player whose tackle prevented that touchdown was Ashlyn Eslinger, the sole female football player in the Grayslake Colts league. 

"I practice hard and play hard," said the Woodview School fourth-grader.

Coach Darrin Leith is impressed with Eslinger's talent. Leith has been with the Grayslake Colts organization for four years, and he's finishing his first year as a head coach. 

"I noticed Ashlyn from the start at evaluations," said Leith, adding that he felt confident in drafting her to the LightWeight Pac10 Black Team. 

"It's been a joy and a really good experience to know that girls can hang with the boys in this sport," said Leith. "She's at every practice. She likes to hit."

Eslinger also "has a great attitude," Leith said. 

"She doesn't start drama," he said. 

Eslinger, No. 16 on the team, said she used to play football with her neighbor and then started attending his football games.

"Then I asked my mom if I could play," said Eslinger.

Leith said Eslinger "likes to play linebacker."

"I like to block and hit," said Eslinger. "I like to tackle the most."

She's modest when talking about her football skills.

"She's shy, but not on the field," Leith noted.

Eslinger's team will play its final regular-season game at 1 p.m. Saturday against Barrington. Should her team win, they'll be headed to the playoffs.


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