Woman’s Work

It was another sweltering day in Orange County, and Santa Ana Valley’s Yesenia Campos could have escaped the heat at the beach, or at South Coast Plaza, or even at a summer job in an air-conditioned office.

Instead, she’s toiling along with her teammates on the football field, preparing for the Sept. 10 opener against Rancho Alamitos.

OK, so Campos isn’t the first girl in the county to play football. Last season, Melissa Stearns was the kicker for La Quinta. Emily Quilter played wide receiver for Laguna Beach in 1995.

But Campos, a 5-foot-9, 220-pound senior, is the first girl to play at Santa Ana Valley. And she plays on the offensive line.

So in the 90-degree temperatures with full pads and helmet, Campos is running blocking drills and sprints, and she’s having fun.

“Maybe some of the guys didn’t accept her at the beginning,” said teammate Miguel Gutierrez, a senior lineman. “But we’re all used to it now. I’m just surprised she’s lasted this long.”

Campos has surprised a lot of people.

Campos said she first approached Santa Ana Valley Coach Eddie Steward as a sophomore, but she couldn’t sway his opinion until last year.

So after playing in the school band, now Campos will be on the field for more than just the halftime show.

“She convinced me this was more than just a gimmick,” said Steward, a third-year varsity coach who has been at the school 26 years.

“She’s been with us since December and she’s done everything we’ve asked of her. She’ll probably play some JV, maybe get in some varsity games.”

Campos isn’t comfortable with the spotlight. It’s tough enough being the only girl on the team. Steward said she will have to change into her game uniform before getting on the bus when the Falcons travel for their games at Santa Ana Stadium.

Still, the distractions and obstacles haven’t deterred Campos.

“I just wanted to play,” Campos said. “But I had to prove to everyone I could play. It’s kind of weird because the guys are stronger than me. But the guys have been very supportive.”

One of Campos’ biggest fans is senior lineman Nafis Shareef.

“I told her that once we get on the field, we’re not going easy on her,” Shareef said. “And she’s getting stronger. She can hit.”

And Shareef said even the coaches tried coddling Campos in the beginning.

“They were being careful what they said and what they were yelling,” Shareef said. “Now, they don’t care. She’s just another player.”