Julie Harshbarger facts for kids

Julie Harshbarger was born on December 9, 1985. She is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker. Julie is famous for being the first woman to score a field goal in indoor football. She played for the Chicago Cardinals in the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL).

Julie also holds the record for the longest career for a woman playing professional football. She played for seven seasons in leagues mostly made up of men. Other female football players usually played for a year or less.

She grew up in Rockton, Illinois. There, she was a great player in both soccer and football for Hononegah Community High School. Her soccer skills earned her a scholarship to Rockford College. She was named All-Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference twice for soccer. Later, she moved to Benedictine University. There, she was named All-NIIA Conference two more times. In her final year, she led her team in assists. Julie usually played for indoor football teams near Chicago.

Julie's Early Life and Sports

Julie attended Hononegah Community High School in Rockton, Illinois. She was very successful in both soccer and football during her time there.

College Sports Career

Playing at Rockford College

Harshbarger earned a scholarship to Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. She played both soccer and football there.

Soccer at Rockford

She played for the Lady Regents soccer team from 2004 to 2005. This was an NCAA Division III school. She was named All-Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference twice.

Football at Rockford

Julie was the kicker for the college football team.

Playing at Benedictine University

After two years at Rockford, Harshbarger transferred to Benedictine University. She played football during her junior year. For soccer, she was again named All-NIIC twice. In 2007, her senior year, Harshbarger scored five goals. She also led the Benedictine team with seven assists.

Julie's Professional Football Career

Chicago Cardinals Team

In 2010, Harshbarger tried out for the Chicago Cardinals. She attended many tryouts but was cut before the season began. However, three weeks into the season, the team called her back. They needed her to play because their kickers were having trouble.

This made Harshbarger the second woman to play in the CIFL. The first was Katie Hnida of the Fort Wayne Firehawks. Hnida scored an extra point in her team's first game. This made her the first woman to score a point in the CIFL. Harshbarger, however, became the first woman to make a field goal in a professional indoor football game. She kicked a 24-yard field goal against the Firehawks. Her team lost that game 69-45. For the season, she made 1 out of 16 field goal attempts. She also made 4 out of 11 extra point attempts.

Chicago Knights Team

In 2011, Julie joined the Chicago Knights. This team replaced the Cardinals in the CIFL. Her performance improved a lot that year. She made 8 out of 14 field goals. She also made 19 out of 26 extra points. She led her team in points scored with 43.

Chicago Vipers Team

On February 23, 2012, it was announced that Harshbarger had signed with the Chicago Vipers. This team took the place of the Chicago Knights in the CIFL.

Chicago Blitz Team

In 2014, Harshbarger signed with the Chicago Blitz, also in the CIFL. Harshbarger led the CIFL in field goals made, with 5. She was named CIFL Special Teams Player of the Year for her great performance. Harshbarger was released from the team on April 5, 2016.

Chicago Eagles Team

Harshbarger signed with the Chicago Eagles on May 12, 2016.