Skylar Dixon: A Girl Tackle Football Player Who Knows She Belongs
- Linda Herron
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
At nine years old, Skylar Dixon is building confidence, meeting challenges, and finding joy in tackle football—one play at a time.
Written by Linda Herron
Women Sports USA®
When Skylar Dixon steps onto a tackle football field in Illinois, she does not spend much time thinking about being the only girl. As a young girl tackle football player, she sees herself the way every athlete deserves to be seen: as part of the team.
That sense of belonging did not appear overnight. Skylar began playing tackle football at six, joining a team where she knew only the coach. She felt uncomfortable at first, but she stayed, had fun, learned the game, and discovered that football was a place where her confidence could grow.
Now nine, Skylar plays running back, linebacker, and sometimes wide receiver. Running back is her favorite because it lets her take the ball and run. Her story isn't simply about a girl playing a sport where boys greatly outnumber her. It is about a young athlete learning what she can do—and refusing to let other people define where she belongs.
A Love for Football Begins
Skylar’s introduction to football began with family. While visiting her grandmother’s house, she played football with her aunt. That experience sparked her interest, and her father's connection with a friend who owned a football team helped her find a place to play.
Walking onto that first field required courage. Skylar did not know the other players, and she was still learning the rules. She remembers feeling “a little uncomfortable,” but she also remembers having fun. That willingness to stay curious and keep playing soon led to a memorable start.
On the first play of one of her early games, Skylar ran for a touchdown. The game had barely started, so not everyone saw it. They did see the second one. She also laughs about a moment when a loose ball landed near her, and she initially stood still because she thought the play was over. When her father called for the ball, she jumped on it. Those early moments—one spectacular, one instructional—show what youth sports can be at their best: a place to learn, adjust, celebrate, and return for the next play.
Competing with Confidence as the Only Girl
Skylar has heard opponents point out that she is a girl. Some have tried to intimidate her or direct extra attention toward her on the field. Adriana Forbes, Skylar’s mother, said those comments affected Skylar more when she first began playing. Over time, however, her response changed. Her confidence grew, and the remarks became something she could answer through her effort and play.
Adriana encourages her daughter not to let frustration take the fun out of the game. When opponents talk, the message at home is simple: use it as motivation and respond on the field. Skylar’s father, who is also one of her coaches, helps reinforce that confidence.
It feels normal. I just feel like I’m part of the team, like a regular player—with some talent.
— Skylar Dixon
That may be the clearest way to understand Skylar. She knows she may be the only girl, but she doesn't treat herself as an exception. She is a teammate, a competitor, and a player who expects to contribute. Sometimes opponents do not realize who made the play until she removes her helmet. Their surprise belongs to them; Skylar’s focus remains on football.
Two Sports, One Determined Young Athlete
Football is only one part of Skylar’s athletic life. She also participates in tumbling and gymnastics, where she develops balance, body control, strength, and the ability to fall and roll safely. Those skills carry over to the football field and add personality to her touchdown celebrations: Skylar likes to do a backflip.
Her schedule is busy. During the season, football practice can run Monday through Thursday and sometimes Friday, with gymnastics also part of her week. When a local flag football opportunity came up, Skylar knew that doing tackle football, flag football, and gymnastics at the same time would be too much. Her decision showed something important beyond ambition: even enthusiastic young athletes need room to manage their energy and enjoy the sports they choose.
Skylar says she loves football and gymnastics equally. Whether she is carrying the ball or tumbling through the air, movement gives her a place to express the energetic personality her mother says can light up a room.
How a Girl Tackle Football Player Builds Confidence
Adriana was not immediately comfortable with the idea of her daughter playing tackle football. She had never seen girls play the sport and worried about Skylar competing against aggressive boys. Skylar’s father encouraged her to attend a practice and watch before deciding.
What Adriana saw changed her perspective. Skylar genuinely enjoyed playing, and her ability stood out. Rather than stop her daughter from pursuing something she loved, Adriana chose to support her while still paying attention to her experience and safety.
The most meaningful change has been in Skylar’s confidence. Adriana can see a difference between the child who first entered the sport and the athlete she watches today. Skylar knows she is capable. She plays with more excitement, smiles through the experience, and understands that even a loss doesn't have to take the joy out of the game.
Encouragement from Chicago’s Football Community
Adriana wanted other families to see what she was seeing, so she began reaching out to local media and football organizations. The response brought Skylar encouragement from the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Winds.
After learning about Skylar’s story, the Chicago Bears sent a package to show their support. Members of the Chicago Winds also connected with the family and encouraged Skylar. According to Adriana, the women told Skylar they admired the confidence she had shown at such a young age and wished they had received similar opportunities when they were her age.
That recognition matters because visibility can change what young people imagine for themselves. When girls see another girl playing football—and when established organizations affirm that she belongs—it becomes easier to picture a field with more opportunities and fewer assumptions.
Learning About Football Safety at Riddell
Skylar’s football journey also led to a visit with Riddell, where she learned how helmets are made and tested. She saw equipment-testing demonstrations, learned about the pressure helmets must withstand, and viewed products connected to professional football before receiving two miniature helmets of her own, including one representing the Baltimore Ravens, one of her favorite teams.
A Chicago Winds player who works with Riddell helped make the connection and offered Skylar more encouragement. For a young athlete, the visit connected the excitement of the game with an equally important lesson: equipment, testing, and safety are essential parts of football.
Dreaming Beyond the Next Game
This will be Skylar’s final year in tackle football, but she does not see it as the end of her football journey. She is interested in playing flag football next and made her commitment clear during the interview: “I’m never leaving football in my life.”
Her biggest sports dream is to reach the Olympics. She also has an entrepreneurial goal that surprised and delighted everyone in the conversation: one day, she would like to own her own football team. At nine, she does not need to know exactly where the road will lead. What matters is that she can already imagine herself not only playing the game, but helping shape its future.
A Message for the Next Girl
When asked what she would tell another girl who wants to play football, Skylar did not hesitate.
Don’t be scared. Just don’t be scared.
— Skylar Dixon
Adriana hopes the story reaches girls who are curious about a sport and parents who may feel the same uncertainty she once felt. Her message extends beyond football: let young people explore what they love, support them as they build confidence, and don't let old expectations make the decision for them.
Skylar’s story is still at its beginning. More practices, more lessons, more challenges, and more moments of joy await. Yet she has already learned something many athletes spend years trying to understand: belonging begins when you step forward, trust what you can do, and keep playing.
About Women Sports USA®
Women Sports USA® celebrates athletes, coaches, officials, and trailblazers while preserving the stories that shape women’s sports. Through storytelling and community, we honor the past, elevate the present, and inspire future generations—because every story matters.
EDITORIAL NOTE:
Linda Herron interviewed Skylar Dixon and her mother, Adriana Forbes, on August 27, 2026. The conversation was recorded and transcribed with permission to support accurate reporting. This draft is intended for the family’s factual review before publication.
Linda Herron is the Founder of Women Sports USA®, a former Division I field hockey athlete, coach, author, and longtime advocate for preserving women’s sports history. Through storytelling, she celebrates the athletes, coaches, officials, and trailblazers who helped change the game.
GOOD JOB SKYLAR!! Keep showing those boys girls can do anything boys can 💪
This is really inspiring!
so awesome
You're such an inspiration, keep doing you!
Way to go Sky!