Carli Lloyd of the United States Women’s National Team made headlines in July when she converted a 55-yard field goal during a joint practice between the Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles.

That kick helped set up a debate about whether or not Lloyd, a two-time FIFA Player of the Year, could crack the roster of an NFL team.

Kayla Alexander might not have the same aspirations as Lloyd. For now, all she wants to do is help her high school team win.

The Northeast High junior, who played on the girls soccer team as a freshman, has earned a spot on the varsity football team.

Not only is she on the team, she’ll be the starting placekicker when the Eagles open the season Friday night at home against Mount Hebron.

Alexander’s motivation to try out for the football team was simple. Due to a clause in the contract with her local travel soccer team, Alexander cannot play for her high school soccer team. With her soccer background, even though she now primarily plays goalie, the next best thing was to attempt to make the football team as a kicker.

“Some people might think I came out more for the media attention, but I didn’t really do that,” Alexander said. “I just came to kick and to be part of this team. I really just wanted to find a way to be with some of my friends.”

Northeast football coach Brian Baublitz says Alexander is extremely accurate from up to 35 yards out. He also said her spot on the team wasn’t guaranteed.

“The young lady wanted to come out for the team. She came out and she earned a spot,” the fourth-year head coach said. “We put her through the ringer as far as yelling and screaming and putting a rush in front of her and it doesn’t seem like it bothers her one bit.”

In an effort to try to avoid contact, Alexander won’t kick off. There is a chance, though, that a broken play could develop during an extra point or field goal attempt.

“We’ve already discussed those scenarios,” Baublitz said. “I told her, if it’s a bad snap and the holder gets it down, obviously you’re going to kick it. If it goes above him, she’s to run to me as soon as possible.”

Having a female on a boys team could lead to some distractions. Everything from ensuring she has privacy to making sure everyone is respectful had to be addressed.

“I already had to talk to (athletic director) Kenny Miller about getting locker arrangements and things like that,” Baublitz said. “I’ve slipped up a couple times and said a nasty word and I apologized to her. She laughed and said, ‘I’m used to it Coach Baublitz.’ I had to explain to her that I respect her more than that. It’s a good thing for all of us… we all have to watch it now.”

Alexander said her teammates have been very supportive, even those who were trying out for the same position. She’s actually become good friends with Ty Coleman, another kicker who will handle longer field goals and kickoffs.

“I’m so excited to be here. It was a little hard at first because I wasn’t sure if some of the guys were going to warm up to me and be OK with me being on the team,” Alexander said. “They’ve really accepted the fact that I’m on the team.

“People think that if you’re a girl on a guys team it’s going to be intimidating all the time. But I can say that after a few weeks of being with the guys I’m starting to feel more comfortable,” she added. “When they can tell I’m nervous, they figure out ways to help keep me calm.”

Alexander didn’t need special approval to try out for the football team. She’ll make her debut on Friday night against Mount Hebron as Northeast hopes to get off to a strong start to the season for the second straight year.

“She is a great young lady and she is having the time of her life,” Baublitz said.