Olivia Greene: the first female football player in Pamlico County in 30 years

Welcome to Down in the County! We are a weekly publication focusing on the people and history of Pamlico County, NC.

Today, we are featuring a story written and photographed by Quamori Miller, a 14 year-old journalist who is a freshman at Pamlico County High School. He currently lives in Aurora and says he loves photojournalism. Quamori is a YNTO Snapshot.

Olivia Greene is a woman who is drawn to playing football with a drive that is beyond words. She is a 7th-grade student at Pamlico County Middle School and Pamlico County’s first female football player in 30 years.

“When I went to a football camp in 5th grade, I just really liked it. I kept saying I was going to play, so I went through with it,” said Greene while I talked to her on the field before a game.

As I talked with her more, I realized how difficult it must be in her position.

“Most of the insecurities were based on the appearance of how I looked in pads and things,” she said while explaining that the team supported her and made her feel comfortable.

Another hard part of football, Olivia said, is being aggressive.

“People portray me to be more aggressive than I actually am,” she said, adding that, even so, contact is also her favorite part of the game.

She said her very first game was a new experience and confusing but that she would like to go on to play in high school and would love to get a scholarship for football in college.

Coach Jack Taylor, who has been coaching at the middle school for 19 years, said that Olivia has been doing great. She played in the last two games and hasn't missed a practice.

“I coach her just like the boys and she does everything they do,” he said.

Her peers and teammates describe her as a caring individual who brightens up the team through her sense of humor.

“She’s a good teammate and looks out for us,” said Khyron Himbry, another member of the team. All on the team said she has the unwavering support of her male counterparts.

Olivia told me that she looks up to PCHS senior Tyler Stevens. “He was the one that taught me everything in the beginning.” Olivia was the team Sports Manager in her 6th grade year.

Olivia gave words of encouragement to other young girls who may have the same interests or are intimidated to step into a predominantly male infrastructure.

“Believe in yourself and don't let others doubt you, you're always your biggest supporter and motivator.”

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Down in the County has its own Instagram page! Check us out @downinthecounty or on Facebook here. To see more of Quamori’s work, his Instagram is @chops._photography