Olivia Campos has been passionate about football since her childhood.

A four-year member of Central Valley’s program, the 5-foot-2 148-pound senior made her varsity debut with the Hawks on Sept. 9.

Campos became the first female in school history to recover a fumble as she contributed at defensive end during Central Valley’s 31-6 non-conference road loss to the Enochs Eagles.

“Coaches are giving me chances to prove myself and push me to do better,” she said. “Mentality-wise, you need to be fearless. You can’t be scared. The line is the most difficult spot. Going against kids that are over 100 pounds heavier than you is challenging. Once you get the hang of it, it’s the best position ever.”

“It’s impressive,” Hawks’ athletic director Greg Magni said. “She’s a great teammate and hard worker. She’s everything you look for in a football player.”

“She’s definitely dedicated,” Central Valley defensive coordinator Brian Borges said. “She’s passionate about the sport. She leads by example. You never see her take a play off on the field. From what I know of, I’ve never seen her miss a practice. She always does the right thing. Her teammates respect her. They follow her lead. She doesn’t want to be seen as other than a player.”

Campos started playing football when she was in elementary school.

She suited up for the Ceres Jr. Bulldogs’ youth program for three years.

“My mom signed me up for cheer when I was in the fifth grade and I wanted to go on the opposite side of the field (for football),” Campos said. “Some of the parents, coaches and players didn’t like it. I knew it was going to be tough in the beginning but decided to stick through it. I really enjoy playing the sport. It’s something different. I love the energy, competition and family you make.”

Campos has appeared in two games at the varsity level this fall.

She competed at the JV level last year.

She played frosh-soph football in the ninth and 10th grades.

“I coached her brother (Oscar) for three years,” Borges said. “He was one of the smallest guys on the field and never shied away from contact. It’s definitely a family trait. Olivia’s never afraid to go up against anybody on the team. It doesn’t matter who it is. She always gives it 100 percent.”

“When I first met Olivia (in the ninth grade), I didn’t think she’d be good,” Central Valley team captain Elijah “Booty” Jackson stated. “She’s surprised me with how dedicated she is to the sport. She’s very fearless. She’s a team player. She picks people up. Everyone loves her as a teammate. She’s showing what women can do as football players. I’m very proud of her. She’s like a sibling now. We’re family.”

“She’s an inspiration,” Hawks’ assistant coach Jr. Johnson added.