In the fall, Vanderbilt soccer star Sarah Fuller shattered the glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to play and score in a power-five college football game. In Auburn, one female is following suit, and breaking barriers of her own.

Practice makes perfect.

“I focus on doing the same thing every time and having it so it’s like in my mind and I don’t have to think about it anymore," Amelia Bartolotta said as she completed the same kicking motion over and over and over again on the sidelines at Holland Stadium.

Bartolotta knows all about practice. She’s one of the best soccer players at Auburn High School, but instead of kicking a soccer ball, she's practicing to kick a football.

“If I never played soccer before, like I feel like it would’ve been a lot harder. It’s very similar," Bartolotta said. "I just look at the ball like it’s not a different shape. I hit it the same way I hit a soccer ball."

This Mercyhurst-bound soccer star traded in the shin guards for a helmet and pads since COVID-19 caused the season to not overlap.

"It’s kind of a blessing in disguise," Bartolotta said.

With every kick, she’s making history as the first female to suit up for the Maroons.

“I think it’s really cool and I think it’s something to obviously be proud of," she said. "At first, I was really nervous being the only female, but my team has done a really great job at including me and making me feel like I’m not the only girl."

As the squad marches up the field, Amelia watches and waits.

“It’s funny when my coach goes ‘PAT. C'mon A.B.," she said.

After a touchdown, “A.B." puts those reps to good use, knocking a PAT right down the middle with her teammates cheering her on right after.

“If my teammates weren’t so supportive, then it would be a lot harder because I’d feel uncomfortable and it would be even more pressure," Bartolotta said.

All that practice paid off. Amelia went a perfect 6-for-6 on PAT’s vs. Central Square, during what ended up being a perfect 5-0 season for Auburn.

Amelia made eight PATs during her five games with Auburn this spring. During her Auburn soccer career, the Captain led the Maroons in both goals and assists.