Ariel Shasko Bonnett admits she is no kicker, but a few short-range field goals through the uprights at Heinz Field Saturday night could change that perception.

Especially for a charity.

A Norwin graduate and North Huntingdon resident, Bonnett will be one of three contestants in a kicking contest at halftime of the Steelers preseason game against the Detroit Lions.

While making a strong showing is important on such a big stage, here’s the real kicker: The winner gets $10,000 for their company to donate to a charity of their choice.

Recently married, Bonnett, 29, is a Smart Factory Deployment Manager for Kennametal. She won a contest at work to be in the contest.

“I made a 25-yard kick in practice,” said Bonnett, who has been practicing at Norwin Knights Stadium, both on the turf and on the lower grass field. “I just started practicing. I kicked for the first time the other day. I’m no kicker, but I am stoked. I am taking it seriously. My family has season tickets. I know a lot of people will be watching.”

A former soccer standout at Norwin and Washington & Jefferson, Bonnett was an assistant coach on the staff of her sister, Ashley, at Saint Vincent for two years.

Ashley Shasko used to coach the Greensburg Central Catholic girls soccer team.

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