"Success for Every Student," the Levittown School motto. Whenever I see this sign I can't help but reflect upon my child's achievements and disappointments.

A big part of my daughter Monica's life is sports. Let me share with you my daughter's 11 years of playing football.

She started playing football at the age of 5 for Levittown Red Devil town league. Unfortunately, she was immediately confronted with taunts from parents and players, saying a girl shouldn't be playing. The taunts turned into cheers and made her a stronger and better player. She played 10 years on the town team and was the only girl to complete this program, which has been around for over 50 years.

Through that experience she was able to perfect her position at center. She won a National Punt Pass and Kick competition awarded by Peyton Manning, along with numerous awards and trophies such as Player of the Year. Most of all, she won the respect of her teammates, coaches and opponents.

Then she started playing football for Salk Middle School. Gender stereotype became an issue. She had to live with claims of reverse sexual harassment. Why would you try to ruin a girl's love for the sport by bringing sex into it? Why would you think like that?

She overcame the narrow-minded ways of thinking and continued to play the game she loved. When moving up to MacArthur High School the situation just got worse. In ninth grade they told her "put your time in and next year you'll get playing time." My daughter worked hard through the season with praise from the coaches and teammates. She found out the hard way that life isn't always fair and you try to make the best of it and ride the bench.

As a parent, it is sometimes difficult to be objective about your own child. My thoughts are confirmed by other players, parents and football people who are aware of the situation. There is a great deal of politics at this level, why else would coaches not play their best players?

Thanks for making her last year of football a memorable one. "Success for Every Student," I don't think so. Not if you're a girl who wants to play football.

Joan and Joe Morace