Shortest player is big on determination for Wildcats

She’s Wilmington High School’s first-ever female varsity football player, standing at only five feet tall and weighing just 125 pounds.

Despite her small stature, Hannah Basinger, a junior tightend, has remained fearless going up against players nearly twice her weight.

Hannah admits she probably should be. During the game against Aurora Christian, Basinger entered in the fourth quarter, took a hit that sent her somersaulting to the ground, but got right back up as even more charged up to play.

This is Basinger’s first year of playing football. She began conditioning with the team in December of 2022, a period she considers to be the most challenging as it was a test of endurance in the weight room. But she got through it and by June began contact practicing with the team.

“I wanted to play as a kid but never knew I could. It was mentioned to me during my sophomore year that girls could play because there wasn’t a girls’ team,” Basinger said.

Her decision to play was affirmed when she received support from her parents. Although they were surprised by her newly acquired activity, they still gave her their full support.

“I didn’t do it to be different,” Basinger said. “I did it to try something new and better myself. I took an opportunity when I saw it.”

Basinger gets to be a part of one of Wilmington’s most unique traditions, running out of the woods. She says that running out of the woods gives her an indescribable rush that can only be described as adrenaline.

Basinger’s favorite part of being on the team is the team dinners on Thursday nights the night before every game. She also enjoys working with the other tight ends, and comments that all her team members treat her equally.

Wilmington coach Jeff Reents noted she is the first varsity female player in his 29 years of coaching. He praised her for working just as hard as the rest of the players on the team.

When asked what she would say to other girls considering being on the football team, Basinger said, “If you want to try it, go for it, because it might work out.”

Football isn’t the only activity for Hannah. She is involved in many of the other activities WHS offers including band, Showcats, Interact Club, Tri-M, student council, and varsity soccer. Outside of school Basinger plays travel soccer and works as a cashier at Berkot’s Super Foods.