Charlie Denen, a sophomore at Turpin High School in Vancouver, Washington, is making history on the Spartans’ junior varsity football team. While most girls play on the sidelines or in less physically demanding roles, Denen has earned a place on the offensive line, a position traditionally dominated by male athletes.
Early love of the game
Denen says she has loved football since kindergarten. “I was always a big Sam Hubbard fan. I love Sam Hubbard,” she told the local outlet. “I don’t think I’ve known anything except summers and falls where I just play football.”
Team support and mentorship
Teammates and coaches have praised Denen’s work ethic. Henry Wolfer recalled their shared journey, noting that even in fourth grade they both vied for spots on the team. “They have me at wide receiver, they have her at O‑line just getting the work in,” he said.
Another teammate, Mason Renchen, highlighted Denen’s consistency. “She has always been my left guard. Fourth grade, fifth grade, middle school, even high school last year. She has always been great to work with. Always has been a great left guard,” he said.
Facing challenges
Denen admits that fear sometimes creeps in. “I’m often honestly pretty scared a lot of time,” she said. “It’s more of just… I know if I can hold my ground, then I have done my job.”
Assistant coach Adam Kieft, now in his sixth year coaching Denen, emphasized her resilience. “She shows up. Obviously, you see some of the guys out here. We’ve got some guys that are way bigger than she is, and she is probably going to be playing against someone who is bigger than she is. She doesn’t care,” Kieft explained.
Future aspirations
Denen dreams of earning varsity minutes. “I think it would be crazy to have Friday night varsity minutes. If I can play, I will be happy at the end of the day. It’s 100 percent possible. There was never a point in time where the people around me told me I couldn’t do something,” she said.
Her family, the youngest of three siblings, has long supported her athletic pursuits. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, celebrating her determination and the barrier‑breaking example she sets for other young women interested in football.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
