Julie Harshbarger facts for kids

Julie Harshbarger (born December 9, 1985) is an American former professional football player. She 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 a record for having the longest career for a woman in professional football. She played for seven seasons in leagues mostly played by men. Most other female football players have played for a year or less.

Julie grew up in Rockton, Illinois. She was a star player in both soccer and football at 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 transferred to Benedictine University. There, she earned All-NIIA Conference honors two more times. She often played for indoor football teams near Chicago.

Early Life and High School Sports

Julie Harshbarger went to Hononegah Community High School in Rockton, Illinois. She was very good at both soccer and football during her high school years.

College Sports Career

Playing at Rockford College

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

Soccer Success

From 2004 to 2005, Julie played soccer for the Lady Regents. This team is part of NCAA Division III. She was named All-Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference twice for her great play.

Football Kicker

She also played as the placekicker for the college football team.

Transfer to Benedictine University

After two years at Rockford College, Julie moved to Benedictine University. She continued to play football during her junior year. In soccer, she was again named All-NIIC twice. In 2007, her senior year, Julie scored five goals. She also led her team with seven assists.

Professional Football Career

Julie Harshbarger made history in professional indoor football. She played for several teams, mostly in the Chicago area.

Chicago Cardinals: Making History

In 2010, Julie tried out for the Chicago Cardinals. She was cut from the team before the season began. However, three weeks later, the team called her back. They needed a kicker. This made Julie the second woman to play in the CIFL. The first was Katie Hnida.

Julie became the first woman to make a field goal in a professional indoor football game. She kicked a 24-yard field goal against the Fort Wayne FireHawks. This was a big moment in her career.

Chicago Knights: More Points

In 2011, Julie joined the Chicago Knights. This team replaced the Cardinals in the CIFL. She had a much better season. She made 8 out of 14 field goals. She also made 19 out of 26 extra points. Julie led her team in points scored with 43.

Chicago Vipers

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

Chicago Blitz: Player of the Year

In 2014, Julie signed with the Chicago Blitz, also in the CIFL. She led the entire CIFL in field goals made, with five. Because of her excellent performance, she was named CIFL Special Teams Player of the Year. She was released from the team on April 5, 2016.

Chicago Eagles

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