by Bella Antonio, the underclassmen placekicker from North Ridgeville, kicked her way into the history books this past weekend. Bella kicked what proved to be the game winning extra point in their thrilling 21-20 victory Friday night over Valley Forge at home. In a defensive battle, every point counted, and it was the foot of Bella that brought the Ranger Football nation its first win of the 2021 campaign.
It’s no secret that Kee On Sports has been a huge supporter of SWC Female Athletics since our inception in late 2018. These are the kinds of stories that we love as young Bella was thrust into action and rose up to the challenge in a pivotal situation with thousands watching the big moment. Bella went 3 for 3 on the night with each kick being bigger than the last!
She is not only the first female kicker for North Ridgeville, but also the first varsity female football player to score for the high school. She proves everything we stand for at Kee On Sports is true, there’s nothing a female athlete cannot do! Bella is now an inspiration to young women everywhere.
I reached out to her kicking coach Karl Roshong to get a comment or two on what makes Bella so special, and the importance of what she brings to the team this year. He had this to share, “She is the full-time placekicker. She had been working over the offseason when she wasn’t training for soccer to prepare for the season and earn the spot. Bella is always positive and willing to give 100% effort to whatever is asked of her.
She is confident in her abilities and lets nothing get in the way of what she wants to accomplish. She epitomizes the type of teammate you want all your student athletes to embody. She’s a positive leader through her words and actions, and holds herself accountable to her responsibilities as a student in the classroom, athlete on the field, and person in the community. “
If you would like to see Bella and her teammates in action, the Rangers return to action this Saturday Night as they visit Byers Field to take on Normandy High School. Greg Lamb will be there to cover all of the action.
I’m Bella’s mom. Thank you for this article and everything you stand for!! I tell her all the time that she is everything I ever wanted to be but wasn’t allowed.
Not only is Bella an amazing athlete, a leader and an inspiration, she is also an fantastic human! Props to her parents for raising such a caring and compassionate daughter! Congratulations, Bella!
Our family has watched Bella play football in the middle school CYO program. We are thrilled that she has the opportunity to compete in a way girls haven’t in the past! She would be an asset to any team with her determination and abilities. Way to go Bella
YES BELLA. ALL OF RIDGEVILLE IS SO PROUD OF YOU.
Congratulations, Bella! I have the pleasure of working with your Amazing Mom, and her love and pride in you as her daughter is so authentic and inspiring! You never cease to amaze! Keep up the great job and representing as a role model daughter, sister, and athlete to all of the females out there wanting to follow in your footsteps. God Bless You and God Speed!
Bella! You are an inspiration to young women and have a bright future ahead of you! Keep reaching for the stars and follow your dreams! We in North Ridgeville, are so proud of you! GO RANGERS!
I have coached Bella’s brother in CYO and watched this remarkable young lady on the field. She is amazing from her personality to her intelligence all the way to her hard work. Her attitude makes her outwork the best player all the time…all while doing it with a smile on her face. I love the family. She retains information given to her and puts it into play quickly. The world is hers to conquer and I cannot wait to see her set it in motion all while sitting back with a smile on my face.
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU! WAY TO GO BELLA!
This is just awesome! Go Bella! My heart is bursting with pride for you!!!
We the family in West Palm Beach are very proud of you. Way to go Bella!!!!
This a very interesting, creative and well written article. Keep up the good work and your advocacy on behalf of female athletes.
WE LOVE YOU BELLA