For years, women across the country have played high school football, and a handful have even gone on to suit up in college, but for the first time, a woman has earned an NCAA football scholarship.
At a ceremony in her high school’s gym, Becca Longo signed a letter of intent to play for Division II Adams State in Alamosa, Colorado this fall. But Adams State head coach and former NFL quarterback, Timm Rosenbach wasn’t offering a scholarship just to make history, telling The Arizona Republic:
“I never heard of it before,” Rosenbach said about Longo being the first female in college football history awarded an NCAA football scholarship out of high school. “I don’t look at it that way. My wife is a former pro athlete. I see her as a football player who earned it.”
Longo didn’t even know she was breaking a barrier when she went to sign her letter. Surrounded by other athletes from her school who were accepting their scholarship offers, the event’s emcee singled her out and announced that the 18-year-old was believed to be the first woman to ever get an offer from a D-II school or above. That came as news to her. "I was completely shocked," Longo told CNN. "Everybody who has it on video said my jaw dropped to the floor."
Inspired by an older brother who played football, Longo picked up the sport her sophomore year. After having to sit out as a junior because she transferred high schools, she took over as kicker for Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona. During her senior season, Longo hit 30 of 33 extra points and nailed the only field goal attempted. She also showed in practice that she had the leg to kick from 48 yards out.
Adams didn’t just stumble upon Longo though. She wanted a scholarship and took the initiative to get a look from a college team by sending video highlights to schools, following Rosenbach on Twitter and reaching out to Adams’ staff directly to get scouted. The team’s offensive coordinator visited Basha to see Longo and was impressed, eventually leading to the scholarship offer.
When Longo joins Adams State in the fall, the rest of the Grizzly Bears’ roster better be ready for her.
"I'm going to go in, I'm going to be ready to compete," Longo said. "I'm not one to back down to anybody."
Say goodbye or make amends.Image via Canva - Photo by Inna Postnikova
Friends recording on a camcorder.Image via Canva - Photo by capturenow
This is an AI-generated image using the language "A beautiful woman with long eyelashes and red lips surrounded by swirls of colorful makeup." AI/Canva/Elyssa Goodman 
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.