Rewriting History
Peyton Donahue making history with PMYC football program
Peyton Donahue has inscribed her name in the Phoenixville Marian Youth Club (PMYC) football history books.
Donahue, a 9-year-old fourth grader at Barkley Elementary School in the Phoenixville Area School District, has become the first girl to score a touchdown in the 62-year history of the storied youth sports organization that serves Phoenixville and its surrounding communities.
Donahue has run for two touchdowns while suiting up for the Cardinals, who will take on the Redskins in the “Super Sunday” championship game which is set to take place this Sunday at Charlestown Park at the University of Valley Forge.
The versatile Donahue lines up at running back position and also plays along the offensive line for the Cardinals, whose head coach is JohnMelvin. Last week, she also rushed 20 yards for a first down to help the Cardinals continue a drive during a game earlier this season.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” Donahue said.
Previously, Donahue competed with and against boys in flag football, but this is her first season of playing tackle football with contact, which is a big step up, and she has met the challenge admirably well.
“Scoring those two touchdowns shows that girls can do anything boys can do,” said Donahue.
“I knew it wasmy first year so I had to earn respect. They are all really kind, and they have respect for me.”
If there were any doubts about Donahue playing contact football at first by the boys, Donahue has erased them. She said boys treat her with respect as a football player as well as a student. Some boys have also become her personal friends both at school and on the football field.
“I like the energy on the field,” said Donahue about the attraction of playing youth football. “That is one of my favorite parts about it. And I likewhen it comes down to the last minute.”
Donahue said after the season started, she started to really get into football. She also competes in basketball and soccer.
“I did football, too, because I aged out of flag (football),” said Donahue. “I had the chance to play PMYC. We have really good helmets, good pads and nice jerseys.
“It is always nice to be on a team that is winning. With the Cardinals, I have a good chance because the Cardinals really have a good team. I like the coaches. They push me, and I like that.”
She enjoys watching football on television as well as playing the sport with her teammates.
Peyton’s mother, Janessa Donahue, has supported the venture from the beginning.
“Whatever she wants to do, I support,” said Janessa Donahue. “This is what she wants to do. She has no fear.”