Biel began her career as a vocalist appearing in musical productions until she was cast as Mary Camden in the family drama series 7th Heaven — , in which she achieved recognition. She received further recognition for her lead role as Erin Hardesty in the horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre While growing up, Biel played soccer [18] and trained as a level six gymnast. Biel initially trained to be a vocalist. At age 14, after auditioning for several television pilots, Biel was cast as Mary Camden , the oldest daughter and second-oldest child in the family drama 7th Heaven.