Florida

Florida's 1st Female Football Coach Wins Opening Game

It was a historic night for Miami Jackson Senior High, where Lakatriona Brunson made history by serving as the first female head coach for a male high school team in Florida.

Miami Jackson High School, led by Coach Brunson took on Coral Reef Thursday night and won. The woman making history in the state says she's been teaching the athletes important life lessons that matter both on and off the field.

"If it's history, then guess what, they made history. For working for us," Brunson said.

Coach Brunson was quick to draw attention on the athletes behind the victory. She says the team stepped up their game after half time.

"They came out on fire saying 'we're going to do it for you coach, we're going to do it for you' and they did it," she said.

Brunson believes she's bringing discipline, hard work, and determination to the players. She teaches them what it takes to succeed on and off the field, most importantly, respect.

"A lot of people get in trouble by disrespecting women, and you got a woman coach so you know I'm not gonna stand for that," Brunson said. "If they learn to respect women now, if they go to the next level, they won't have these problems. That's one less problem they'll have to deal with."

Known as Coach B to her students, the former basketball and flag football coach already has her eye on Game 2. She hopes to be a trailblazer for other women contemplating a shot at coaching male football teams.

"I always say it's a male fraternity and I kinda like stepped in. You know it's gonna take a lot to prove myself, but I'm here for the challenge," she said.

Miami Jackson High will now play Christopher Columbus High School on Friday, August 26 at Curtis Park.

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