Who is Sarah Thomas?
By: Meredith Lee - Burnham Instructional Coach

Sarah Thomas was born September 21, 1973, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was very athletic. Growing up, she played softball and basketball. She even played football with her two brothers. Sarah was so good that she earned a basketball scholarship to attend the University of Mobile. While there, she set new records and became one of the the top female players at the school. After college, she began to focus on a career in law, also joining a church basketball league to keep sports in her life. Being the only female in the league made some men unhappy. Therefore, they cut her from the team. I know...I know...this just made you angry, but this is where the greatness begins!!

Sarah Thomas a Woman Making History

After her removal from the basketball team, Sarah attended a football official's meeting with her brother, and the rest is history. She enjoyed being a football referee for youth and high school games. In 2015, Sarah became to first full-time female referee for the NFL. WOW...could it get any better? Yes, in 2021, Sarah Thomas became the first female referee for the Super Bowl. Double Wow! Normally, the national football league is dominated by men. Her role helps to break this gender stereotypes; opening the door for more women to envision careers in sports, male and female leagues.