Toni Harris is no stranger to life’s more robust trials. A native of Detroit, a foster kid from an early age, and even a cancer survivor, this young woman knows how to stare down adversity and beat the odds.
Her love of sports, specifically of football already has the 22-year-old making history at East Los Angeles College as the first woman on their team, but soon Toni will head to Central Methodist University in Missouri to play defense.
She publicly signed a letter of intent for a full scholarship to the school. Toni is getting noticed by the world at large too, thanks to a role in a recent Toyota commercial that first aired during the Super Bowl.
“Toni Harris has shown great resolve in her journey and quest to be a college football player,” her coach at East LA College, Bobby Godinez, said in a statement. “She has shown herself to be a great teammate at East Los Angeles College and a great member of this community. We all wish her the best in her journey beyond ELAC.”
Toni isn’t stopping at college ball. She’s set her sights on the pros, and her dream is to one day play for the Seattle Seahawks.
Though many coaches discouraged her from aiming too high, this impressive woman never gave up.
“This game is 80% mental and 20% physical. You’ve gotta keep your head in the game,” she said in an interview.
What a great testament to personal determination and faith in action. Way to go Toni. We will cheer you on from the sidelines.