GROVE CITY— Aubri McCoy didn't care that football was a "boys" sport."

Three years ago, the now 11-year-old sixth grader at Hillview Elementary School in Grove City brought home a flier for a Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

"I told her that was kind of a boys thing," said McCoy's mother, Nancy. "She said, 'Well, I'm going to do it anyway.'"

Now Aubri is one of the best in the country.

At Heinz Field in November, Aubri's combined distance in the Punt, Pass and Kick competition was 256 feet, 1 inch.

Her effort earned her a spot in the national event, was 30 feet better than her closest competitor and was tops in the nation in her age group.

The national record in her age division is 289-9.

"I wasn't nervous because I was there before," Aubri said. "I wanted to get to the next level."

She's done that and more.

At age 9, she advanced toHeinz Field, but failed to qualify for nationals.

Last year, she was eliminated before she reached Pittsburgh.

But this year, Aubri was dominant through the local, sectional and regional competitions.

The national Punt, Pass and Kick will be held Jan. 12 or 13 before the AFC Divisional playoff game in either Foxborough, Mass., or Indianapolis.

If she wins her age group, she will be introduced on national television at halftime of the playoff game.

Aubri likes her chances.

"I think I can win," she said. "It's fun."

Aubri's soccer skills have helped her in this competition.

She is a member of the Grove City 12-and-under girls soccer team, as well as the Northern Steel Club soccer team.

She also plays basketball, softball and tennis.

Her kicks are by far her strongest events.

Aubri's longest kick and punt has traveled 100 feet (33 yards).

Her throws average about 80 feet (roughly 26 yards).

During the fall, she can be found working on her skills in the back yard.

"I practice outside when it is warm," Aubri said. "I practice my kicks and throws and stuff."

Aubri is an avid football fan. She watches the sport on television whenever she can.

She said her favorite teams are the Steelers and New York Giants.

"I like Hines Ward and Eli Manning," Aubri said.

She hopes to throw like Manning at the national event.

Aubri certainly has the competitive fire of a pro athlete, Nancy McCoy said.

"She's very athletic and she likes competition," Nancy said. "I think we are more nervous than she is."