Cecily Mohamed and Krysten Muir – Two Teenagers Who Are Kicking Down Barriers!

They live on opposite sides of the United States, but they are bound by courage, dedication, hard work and talent. In fact, these two teenage girls are in a whole different league!

You see, Cecily Mohamed and Krysten Muir happen to be the starting kickers for their high school varsity football teams!

Each of them has overcome many challenges in a sport that is made up of almost all boys. Their teammates, though comfortable with them now, were not always happy to have them on the team. Other teams and spectators have been even less kind to them! But they have never given up and each has helped their team in a big way.

But their impact does not end on the football field. They are inspiring others girls to follow their passions. And they are they are doing good in their communities.

For example, when Cecily is not scoring for her team, she’s out raising awareness for breast cancer. Cecily started Project THINK PINK! with her best friend, Melis (Nia) Demir.

Both girls had lost loved ones to breast cancer. When they realized that there were no clubs or support groups in their school that dealt with cancer awareness, they decided to start their own. Today Project THINK PINK! is going strong. Cecily’s dream is to see Project THINK PINK! continue after she and her friends graduate from high school. 

Learn more about these inspiring young women and their impact, both on and off the field, in the videos below:

Krysten Muir:

Cecily Mohamed:

Now check out a girls football league that has formed in Utah!

Additional Resources:

• Click here for many great IMK stories and videos about brave people
• Browse IMK’s collection of inspiring stories and quotes about girls
• Check out IMK quotes about strength and bravery and perseverance
• To read more about Cecily’s journey with Project THINK PINK!, click here.. 

Topics for Discussion:

• What is most special about Cecily and Krysten?  What character traits do they exhibit?
• Is there something good that you would like to do, but you are scared to do it? Why?
• Do you belong to any clubs, groups, etc. that work to raise awareness for a cause? If so, what is it?
• What activities do you enjoy? Have you ever had someone make fun of you because of your role in this activity?
• What do you think the phrase “Kicking down barriers” means for Krysten?
• Can you think of an example where someone “kicked” down a barrier? If not, ask your teacher or parents for help.

Take Action:

• For more information about Project THINK PINK, and how you can get involved to help support those with cancer, click here

Teacher Features:

• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.