By Matt Browning

Marlo Sullivan of Andale was chosen as the Shelter Insurance Athlete of the Month for February. Sullivan was the kicker for the Indians’ football team, who won the 4A championship in November.

“I am blessed to be chosen among these other athletes,” Sullivan said. “I proved to myself that if you put your head and heart (and leg) into something anything is possible.  Even being the first girl on a football team.”

Sullivan played soccer throughout her youth and in middle school, but Andale does not offer soccer, so she was encouraged to try out for the kicking position on the football team.

“I worked hard all summer before I contacted Coach Schmidt asking if it was ok to try out,” Sullivan said. “Coach Schmidt said ‘would love to have you give it a try and be on the team.’ I kicked for the freshman and varsity team during the season. The season was so much fun. I know I was so lucky to play with a group of guys that went undefeated.”

Sullivan said she was immediately accepted onto the team and being the only girl was never a problem.

“I made a lot of new friends,” Sullivan said. “My teammates, coaches and community were all very supportive and I feel without them I would not have been nominated for this award.”

Sullivan, who also is a 4.0 student, plays basketball in the winter and will play softball or track in the spring.