The football team at Vanderbilt University is considering having the goalkeeper of the women’s soccer team fill in as its field-goal kicker after positive COVID-19 tests on the team created a number of vacancies on the roster.
Less than a week after her performance on the pitch helped Vanderbilt to a Southeastern Conference title in soccer, goalkeeper Sarah Fuller is an “option” for Vanderbilt Coach Derek Mason.
“She’s really good with a soccer ball. She seems to be pretty good with a football, so we’ll see,” Mason told reporters. “We’re keeping all options open right now, and we’ll get a chance to see what she does on Saturday if given the opportunity.”
The coronavirus wreaked havoc on a busy college football season, threatening to keep teams across the country from completing all games on their schedule.
Fuller, who was reported to be in full pads and uniform at Tuesday practice, would be the first female to play college football since April Gross kicked an extra point for Kent State University in 2015.
Pierson Cookie and Wes Farley are the Commodores’ usual field goal kickers. Cooke has struggled, going only 3-7 in field goal tries this year. Mason did not confirm which of the two, or if both, have contracted the coronavirus.
During an ESPN interview on Wednesday, Mason said that he was “extremely close” with Vanderbilt women’s soccer coach Darren Ambrose, which has helped move the situation forward.
“Obviously, I followed them through the tournament,” Mason said. “For us, it’s like any week in college football. You’re subject to testing, and then, based on testing, you’ve gotta figure out options of where you go.”
Mason called Fuller a “complete competitor” and said he was hopeful she might provide some stability to a kicking unit that has struggled to find consistency this season.
Vanderbilt is 0-7 on the season and faces Missouri on Saturday.
