MEMPHIS, Tenn. —A former University of Mobile women’s basketball player made history Saturday, September 15th, in a whole new area.

Sarah Bailey Thomas became the first female official to work a game in the Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly known as I-A. Thomas, who played for the Lady Rams from 1992-95 and averaged 12 points a game, officiated the Jacksonville State v. Memphis football game.

"It was an awesome experience," Thomas said. "I feel honored that Gerald Austin and Conference USA gave me the opportunity to officiate at this level."

Thomas, who currently lives in Walnut Grove, MS, earned a communications degree from the University of Mobile, and helped lead the 1993 women’s basketball team to the NAIA National Tournament.

She was also named a GCAC All Conference Honor Roll Player and a NAIA All American Scholar Athlete in 1995. In that same season, the Lady Rams finished 21st in the NAIA Top-25.

During that run to the NAIA National Tournament in 1993, Thomas and her teammates set 23 school records and went 22-9 on the season. Thomas, who ranks in the top 15 in 4 school records, helped lead the Lady Rams to a 61-33 combined record in her three seasons on the team.

People are continuing to take notice, as Thomas is mailing her uniform from the game to the head of officials to be displayed in the college football hall of fame. Despite all the attention, it was just football for Thomas.

"It wasn’t that I was nervous, but more anxious like any official working their first game," Thomas said. "I did feel some extra pressure because of the media attention I received the week of the game, but as my supervisor told me, when the game starts its just 60 minutes of football. That is where my concentration was."