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First female NFL coach ‘breaking the gender barrier’

WATCH: A woman named Jen Welter is breaking new ground in the National Football League. The Arizona Cardinals has added her to their upcoming training camp. It’s believed Welter, who holds a masters in sports psychology and a doctorate in psychology, is the first woman ever hired as an NFL coach. Elaine Quijano reports.

TORONTO — The Arizona Cardinals’ newest coaching hire has a stacked resume: a master’s degree in sports psychology, a Ph.D. in psychology, and experience on the field as running back and special teams for the Texas Revolution of the Indoor Football League. But the real kicker? The new coach is a woman.

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The National Football League team says Jen Welter, who has been brought on as a training camp and preseason coach for inside linebackers, is the first female coach to be hired in the league.

Reaction to the hire was swift. Some said she’s breaking a glass ceiling. Others said it’s a sign of changing attitudes. Many are simply stating she’s an inspiration and role model for women and girls.

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Welter played linebacker for more than 14 seasons in the Women’s Football Alliance, mostly with the Dallas Diamonds, where she helped the team win four championships. A rugby player at Boston College, she also earned two gold medals on Team USA at the International Federation of Football Women’s World Championships in 2009 and 2013.

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WATCH: Young girl heartbroken after learning favourite NFL player was traded

Earlier this year Arizona coach Bruce Arians said skills and ability, not gender, matter when it comes to hiring coaching staff.

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“The minute they can prove they can make a player better, they’ll be hired,” Arians said.

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Speaking to azcardinals.com on Monday, Arians said: “Coaching is nothing more than teaching. One thing I have learned from players is ‘How are you going to make me better? If you can make me better, I don’t care if you’re the Green Hornet, I’ll listen.'”

“I really believe she’ll have a great opportunity with this internship through training camp to open some doors for her,” Arians said.

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This is the second sign of change announced this year in the male-dominated world of professional football — this season the NFL will also welcome referee Sarah Thomas, who had been hired as the league’s first full-time female game official.

With files from the Associated Press

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