Des Moines' first-ever female football coach leads the East Scarlets

The Des Moines School District has hired a woman to coach football for the first time ever.

Yes, but: Being the only woman on the football field is nothing new for Renate Rice.

• "I've always been a rough and tumble kind of girl," Rice told Axios. "I like to compete."

State of play: In seventh grade, Rice was the only girl playing in Little All-American Football in Des Moines.

• She always loved sports and the camaraderie that came with them.

But the next year, her dad wouldn't let her play again, saying she wouldn't fit in with the boys.

• She moved on to other sports, playing everything from basketball to volleyball.

What happened: By chance, Rice returned to football as an adult when a friend surprised her by signing her up for tackle football tryouts in 2007.

• Since then, it's played a huge part in her life. Rice played for the Iowa Crush for 12 years, winning three All-Star rings and a championship.

So when Rice got a call from East Scarlets new head football coach, Tyrone Tyler, about coaching, she didn't hesitate.

• "I love to see that spark," Rice said about coaching football. "I love to see that 'Aha' moment when it all clicks together."

What's next: The Scarlet's first home game is Aug. 26 versus Roosevelt.