A Wallington High School football player is proving that girls can be more than kickers on the field.

Nicole Konefal is a senior and one of the top 10 students in her class. She is also the starting cornerback on the football team, and has been playing at a varsity level for three years.

Konefal is one of two female football players on the varsity team. Wallington coach Barry Blauvelt says that he pushes the boys to treat her like any other player, and tells them they don't respect her if they're not willing to tackle her.

Konefal says her mother works incredibly hard, and she also helps her father who is blind and diabetic.

Her junior year was plagued by injury, and her senior season looked bright until she sprained her MCL during a game on Oct. 25. Konefal says her determination is bringing her back for the final game.

Around 2,400 girls played football last school year compared to more than 1 million boys.