Get to know Gloucester HS football player, freshman Charlotte Kirby
GLOUCESTER, Va. — Charlotte Kirby is no stranger to tackling a challenge head-on, both figuratively and literally. This freshman at Gloucester High School has worked for nine years to make a name for herself as a strong, competitive athlete. While you might see her taking a shot at the hoop on a basketball court or racing towards the finish line on the track, when it comes to the fall sports season there is one place you will most definitely find her– right under the lights on the football field at Gloucester High School.
Her determination to overcome not just the mental and physical obstacles all athletes face, but to add the layer of doing so as a female football player is inspirational to anyone faced with rising above the perception of being an underdog. “In a male-dominated sport, I already separate myself from others by stepping on the field as a female. I have always pushed myself to make sure I work harder and control the things I can control,” Charlotte describes.
The chance to work hard and rise above to earn her well-deserved respect is just part of what Charlotte focuses on. She honestly just has a true love for her sport and hopes to continue her career onward and upward as she moves through high school and into college. “My personal goal in my sport is to continue to grow and develop myself further, and to go to college playing football. I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve received in football,” Charlotte says. “And I’ll always love the adrenaline I get from a good hit,” she adds.
To keep her head in the game, Charlotte has a few things she likes to do to make sure nothing distracts her from her goal. “I was given the advice to always work harder than everyone else and keep showing up, even when it is hard. During a game, I don’t talk to anyone. I just focus on being in the game,” Charlotte says.
Even as an athlete who is constantly focused on the present and being engaged, she still has faced some mistakes at times and had to work to recover and move on, not taking time to dwell on the error but rather use it to grow. Charlotte shares, “One of my biggest struggles is one on one drills. I tend to overthink everything when it comes to that drill. When I go and compete at football camps, if I mess up then I go and talk to a coach on how I should correct my mistakes. When I mess up, I like to identify what I did wrong and see how I can use that experience to better improve myself.”
Charlotte’s mom, Belynda, recognizes the tenacity of her daughter and is eager to see what else football can offer Charlotte in the coming years. “Charlotte has displayed an incredible determination since her first day on the football field. She is all business when it comes to practicing, working out, and time on the field. She has used the adversity of being a female in a male dominated sport to fuel her. And while it has not been an easy road, her work ethic grew and football has helped shape all aspects of her life. She is happy to be blessed with the gift of football and appreciates the journey. I can’t wait to see how far it takes her,” says Belynda.
She might not give herself the opportunity for distraction in a game by talking to anyone, but Charlotte values every member of the team and believes in their impact on the team as a whole. “Being a member of a team has taught me just how vital each member is for the morale of a team. Going through different teams you can see how mentality can differ from team to team,” Charlotte says.
When it comes to the encouragement she has received from her coaches over the years, Charlotte has soaked up some of the best advice from the mentors who have inspired her in ways beyond just the game. She says, “I’ve gotten a lot of great advice on how to play the game of football, but the best thing I’ve had coaches say to me is that they believe in me. Not everybody believes a girl should play football. I’m playing for those that believe I can.”
One of those coaches who believes in the talent Charlotte brings to the field is looking forward to continuing to watch her growth in years to come. Coach John Scalf, Gloucester High School’s head varsity football coach, has worked with Charlotte and recognizes her potential on the field and as a community member destined to make a difference. He says, “Charlotte is a dedicated football player and even a better person. She does a lot for the community. She is always finding a way to improve in the sport. She is a hard worker, which makes her a true asset to the team. She has the opportunity to start this year for JV and I think she will have a real chance in the upcoming years to start on the Varsity level as well. Her desire to be successful and setting high goals for herself puts her on the path of obtaining whatever she puts her mind to. We here at GHS are glad to have her and look forward to seeing what else the future has in store for this young lady/athlete.“
This fall be sure to head out to support Charlotte and all your Gloucester Dukes for all their home games at Gloucester High School! And take a moment to remember the extra courage and grit it takes in particular for one of those Dukes to get out there on the field, fighting hard every practice and game to remind the world that she deserves to stand out as a female success story in a male-dominated sport.
JV Dukes Football Home Games
Monday 9/26 @5:30pm
v. Woodside
Monday 10/10 @5:30pm
v. Denbigh
Monday 10/17 @5:30pm
v. Menchville
Monday 10/24 @5:30pm
v. Warwick
Varsity Dukes Football Home Games
Friday 9/9 @7:00pm
v. Bethel
Fire & Rescue/Youth Football/Military Night
Friday 9/16 @7:00pm
v. Kecoughtan
Hall of Fame Night
Friday 9/30 @7:00pm
v. Heritage
Homecoming
Friday 10/21 @7:00pm
v. Warwick
Senior Night
Friday 10/28 @7:00pm
v. Phoebus
Disclaimer – At the time this magazine went to print, all events and locations were accurate. Please check event websites for the most current information as some events may have been postponed or canceled. http://www.dukesfootball.com/game-schedule.html
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