Looking into #99: Reese Uzelac

Just as football season opens, the Bears have already set a new record. Reese Uzelac, 12, is the only female in SJHS history to play football at the varsity level. Her journey to becoming the Bears’ kicker began last fall when she was noticed by Head Coach Andrew Pratley.

“I watched her play at Powder Puff last year and was extremely impressed. I knew our kicker was graduating so I figured I would reach out and see if she was interested,” Pratley stated in an interview over email. 

Since her freshman year, during football games, Reese had always been in the band. Last year, she was a drum major and continues to hold that position. Even before COVID-19 had stopped them from playing during games, she still fully intended to conduct, undeterred by also playing on the field. Band Director Joshua Doe also supported her participation in football.

“I thought I would have to step down as drum major…but he was totally cool about it and…thought it’d be cool to see me [conducting] in my football uniform,” Reese said, chuckling.

Not only musically involved, she also has many years of athleticism under her belt. Playing soccer since early elementary school and basketball since middle school, she continues to pursue them in high school. She has also been on the cross country team and ran track in middle school. From past sports, she’s been in other environments where she is the only girl, having played on an all-boys soccer team freshman and sophomore year.

Despite never playing football before, she’s never felt any different for joining the game “late” compared to her teammates, who have been playing together since middle school or freshman year. 

“Honestly, it’s really not that big of a deal because I’ve been friends with a lot of the guys on the team for a similar amount of time...they’re all really cool about it and I’ve never had to worry about fitting in on [or] off the field,” she explained. Her coach also agrees.

“...It just feels like she has been with us for years, she fits right in,” Coach Pratley said. When asked what she likes best about the sport, she says the team.

“I was nervous at first that I would feel really out of place, but I feel like I’ve never been so accepted by a team because all of the guys go out of their way to be really sweet to me and always hype me up. I’m not on the sidelines alone, awkwardly there. They’re always talking to me and keeping me involved,” she said. 

Outside of athletics and band, Reese is also involved in MANY extracurriculars. She has been a part of French Club, is a Student Senate member, and in National Honors Society (NHS). She was also a 2020 September Bear of the Month. In her free time, she dabbles in music, hangs out with friends, and likes driving around. 

With Reese as the Bears’ kicker, it looks like they are well on their way to future success this season. Be on the lookout for more from number 99.