Flagged

  The stadium lights are blazing, the crowd is buzzing, and the ball is snapped. You're not just playing a game, you're part of the fastest-growing sport for women in the country.

Girls flag football is on the rise, and even without a team of their own, Jefferson Academy athletes are making their presence known by stepping onto the field with neighboring schools. For these athletes, representing Jefferson Academy while playing elsewhere comes with unique challenges and higher stakes.

Senior Emma Tomasko, inspired by last year’s powderpuff game, decided to take her passion further. “I was inspired to join Standley Lake’s flag football team because I had a lot of fun during the powderpuff game last year, and since a couple of my friends joined, I thought it would be fun to play football at the next level,” Tomasko mentioned.

Despite initial nerves, she found the coaches and players rather welcoming. However, Tomasko acknowledges the difference in expectations as being one of the very few players from Jefferson Academy. For these girls, the higher standards at their host school require an added level of commitment. 

“It’s definitely a very different group of girls,” senior Shalini Mathai said. “At JA, most kids are naturally so talented due to being held to such a high standard so I am never not fighting tooth and nail to be better.” She went on to reflect on how playing elsewhere gave her a new perspective. “Although that is still the same at Standley. I think I’m able to take a little bit of a step back and appreciate everything I’ve worked to become up to this point,” Mathai mentioned.

Senior Avah Berlin added on to that sense of growth when stepping into a more challenging setting. “Being at a different school was intimidating at first, but I feel like it's only made us better athletes and humbled us in a sense,” stated Berlin.

She also noted the higher level of competition. “At JA there are not as many players on a team, whereas with Standley there's plenty of girls who have so much to offer. It is easy to get replaced which only makes us want to work harder,” Berlin expressed.

 Juggling academics, staying involved at their home school, and committing to intense training at another campus is no easy task.  “I balance being part of a team at another school by staying committed to my responsibilities at JA, whether it's supporting other sports teams or immersing myself in clubs,” Tomasko shared. 

Their dedication shows how they manage busy schedules while staying connected to both schools and teams. “It means a lot because we don’t have a girls flag football team at JA. It’s a big deal for us as it’s such a rising sport, especially with this year being the first year Standley Lake has had a girls flag football team. The fact that it’s only 3 of us out of 25 girls makes the connections stronger and gives a lot more importance to this commitment,” Berlin highlighted. 

From an administrative perspective, the interest hasn't gone unnoticed. “From a big scope in the community and excitement, starting a girls flag football team would be great, and I would love to have it,” Athletic Director Mr. Quarantino stated. However, he also acknowledged the challenges behind the scenes. “I think flag football would draw in a lot of kids, but what does that do to my fall sports? I’d hate to gain a sport but kill another one.” 

While the decision to add a new sport comes with complications, the dedication of the athletes already playing speaks for itself. These Jefferson Academy athletes are breaking down  barriers, showing that hard work crosses school lines and paves the way for future players. The hard work these athletes invest brings its own rewards, celebrated achievements, and standout moments that make every effort worthwhile. 

“This team has come with its challenges like any team does and I think instead of changing me as a player it’s, in fact, just solidified me even more in who I really am,” Mathai explained.