Kitty Leineke — living the dream

 In addition to achieving a winning season and earning a trip to the state playoffs, the Skyline football team can boast of another outstanding accomplishment this year, and one that few teams can duplicate—there is a young woman on the JV team roster and suited up at every varsity game.

Junior Kitty Leineke is not just for decoration, either. She is a very real part of the Eagle offense and defense, a lineman at tight end and defensive end, and is living out a very real personal dream.

 “This has been an absolutely wonderful experience,” Leineke said. “I have always loved football and am a huge NFL fan. I loved practicing with my little brother [Jet, 14] who plays little league, and dreamed of actually playing. I finally got up the courage to go try out for Skyline’s team.”

 And how did Skyline’s coaches react to a girl showing up for tryouts?

 “I really like the coaches, because they don’t just treat me like a girl,” Leineke said. “They treat me just like one of the guys and make me practice just as hard. I don’t get any special treatment, which is just what I want. They were a little skeptical at first, but I think I’ve proven myself.”

 And by every count, Leineke has done just that. She has earned playing time, not only on the JV team but has also made it into a few varsity games. She hasn’t sustained any significant injuries other than bumps and bruises, and she even sacked the quarterback in the win against Hillcrest Sept. 30.

 “The guys on the team have been so accepting of me,” Leineke said. “They are continually helping me out every step of the way, showing me how to become a better player.”

 She enjoys complete support from her family as well, a fact that protective parents may find surprising.

 “I love it,” her dad, Al Leineke said. “She’s doing great. It was her choice and we support her.”

Does he worry about her getting hurt? “Nah,” he said. “I worry about the other players.”

 “I have the best family in the world,” Leineke said. “They have been so supportive from Day One, of me following my dreams. My brother Jet has been my inspiration. I have always looked up to him.”

Jet will be trying out for the Skyline team next year, and Leineke would like nothing more than to be teammates with him.

 At this point, Leineke has not decided what will be next for her after she graduates from Skyline. She prefers English and loves writing, and has been a dancer, violinist and snowboarder in the past. For now, football is all she has time for.