Senior Emilia Alpert is another trailblazer on the Coronado High football team, joining Lindsey Balsley as one of two female players in the program.
Alpert plays running back on offense and inside linebacker on defense.
With one older brother and two younger siblings, one of whom will be an incoming freshman at CHS, Alpert said she is the first one in her family to play football.
Alpert grew up competing in horseback riding; in fact, she even recalls sitting on a horse before she could walk.
While the equine industry is a very important part of her life, she was excited to try a sport that wasn’t solely an individual competition. So, she took up football her junior year.
“I’m not used to such a family component,” Alpert said. “I wanted to just be a part of something bigger and that’s why I think it was such a drive for me to do it.”
Already familiar with contact as a rugby player, Alpert said she is acclimating to the faster-paced contact in football.
“I’m used to contact, but a very different type of contact, and especially the move to an all-male sport was different,” Alpert said.
Alpert said the team’s support of her playing football as one of two females is incredible.
This year’s captains, Graham Bower, Jack Delcore, Jesse Saflar and Luca Salata, have especially created a fun and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, according to Alpert.
“Honestly, they are a majority of the reason why it’s such a fun place to come to, because the team captains set a really great presence,” Alpert said. “It’s never weird for me; it’s never uncomfortable.”
She said she is appreciative of the community aspect and discipline of the CHS football program.
“Being a part of the football program just really sets you up for the rest of your life,” Alpert said. “There are a lot of things here that I never would’ve done unless I played on the football team.”
Alpert is also the captain of the rugby team and is looking to continue playing the sport in college.
