Who: Michelle Ruehl
Occupation: Air Force Pilot
Where: Abilene, Texas
"I have always fought, played, and tackled with the boys. Only in the fifth grade, I was 80 pounds and my jersey fit me like a dress. But, I put on the football helmet and played with the local youth team.
"My junior high did not have women's football or soccer, but the state allows women to tryout with the men. My father sat me down and told me that if I wanted to play, I still had the chance. This was a crossroad in my life--I could do cheerleading with the girls, or I could put my cleats on and my mouth guard in.
"On a hot, muggy August day, I showed up to tryouts. I was 14, skinny and nervous. My new cleats smelled like fresh leather and I was ready to take on the challenge, but as we pulled into the parking lot, I began to tremble. I told my dad to turn the car around and go home, but he made me step out of the Tempo. He knelt down and told me that this was my chance. He pushed me onto the field, not in the mean way, but in a gentle, "I believe in you," way. He would not let me quit. The coach smiled as the little girl showed up to tryouts, but he let me run. I made the team!
"Mr. Ortegal coached me for four years. He believed in me and supported my dream of playing sports and becoming an Air Force pilot. He stayed after to train me to get ready for basic training. I ended up getting accepted to the US Air Force academy!
"Once I made it to Colorado, I found a new love - a mix of football and soccer, only NO PADS! It was Rugby! We practiced on the football field and the school would come watch! All my years of blood, sweat and tears of playing with the boys made me ready for the pitch.
"I owe it to my dad and Coach Ortegal for believing I could compete. Now, I'm an Air Force pilot and fitness trainer, but it all started with some cleats and two men who believed a woman can do anything! I would not be the officer, pilot and the leader I am today if I had not stepped out of the car."