Mo Isom was notified on Friday that she was cut in her attempt to become a kicker on LSU’s football team, but she gained recognition for trying to become the first female to play football for the school despite failing to reach her goal.
Isom, who played four seasons as a goalie on the LSU women’s soccer team and was also the school’s homecoming queen, began working with the football team on kicking last September. She tried out for the team in the spring, and was asked to come back in the fall. Although she was able to boot some 50-yard field goals, her position on the team’s kicking depth chart was too low to justify a roster spot, according to coach Les Miles.
“We had a short meeting today,” Miles said Friday, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “(She’s a) real quality person, the right style of athlete to come in after four years of playing to be a part. Frankly, she kicked well. The good news is our top three field goal and extra point people are really, really strong.
“She wanted this to be done right. She competed well and she’s a great person. It was heartfelt for her not to be with us and I appreciated it. She got serious consideration. Mo being a very good kicker, she would be fourth or fifth behind our guys.”
Miles believes Isom had the talent to kick for a college team despite not making LSU’s team.
The young lady has maintained a positive attitude since failing to make the team. She tweeted the following note on Friday:
I am heartbroken, but my head is held high. Knowing I gave everything I had is the greatest victory. Unending thanks to my LSU football fam.
— Mo Isom (@MoIsom) August 24, 2012
Isom graduated in December and was enrolled in a masters program for eligibility purposes in case she made the team. The Times-Picayune says Isom is expected to withdraw from the program and pursue opportunities as a motivational speaker.
Photo via Mo Isom/Twitter
