SANTA FE, N.M. — A former University of New Mexico kicker who was the first female to play and score in a Division I football game faces months of recovery after becoming seriously ill from an adverse reaction to a prescribed medicine.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the family of Katie Hnida says the 37-year-old’s condition has stabilized but that she might need a liver transplant.
Hnida played three seasons, from 2002-2004, with New Mexico.
She became the first woman to play in a Division I game in December 2002 when she unsuccessfully attempted an extra point against UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl.
She became the first woman to score in a Division I game in August 2003 when she kicked two extra points for New Mexico in a game against Texas State-San Marco.
Hnida never appeared in a game during one season with Colorado before transferring to New Mexico.