In an unprecedented season, Vanderbilt is poised to potentially shatter a gender precedent Saturday at Missouri.
The Commodores, wracked all season with player opt-outs and COVID-19 issues that have caused game postponements and constant roster monitoring for the 53-scholarship minimum established by the SEC, have practiced with Sarah Fuller from the Commodores' powerhouse women's soccer team.
Fuller's the goalie; Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason believes she might one of his team's best options as place-kicker against Missouri.
“Sarah is part of our women's soccer team, SEC championship team, just played in the finals Sunday,” Mason said on the SEC coaches' teleconference. “For us finding out things about some of our specialists (who are believed to be in contact-tracing for COVID-19), I reached out to Darren Ambrose, we're extremely close as coaches and our teams are close to be honest. I wanted to see how Sarah would actually work as an option. We looked at what she can do with a football. She's really good with a soccer ball and looks pretty good with a football.”
Fuller participated in Commodores practice earlier this week.
“She's an option and we're keeping all options open right now,” Mason said. “We'll get a chance to see what she can do Saturday, if given an opportunity.
“I've seen here kick in practice. Saw her off the tee, saw her kick a couple field goals. I wanted to see how strong her leg was. I can tell you she's got a strong leg. Sarah's an option. She seems to be a pretty good option. We'll figure out what that looks like on Saturday.”