Flag Football: A New Sport, A New Challenge by Naomi Sweeney and Tegan Lee
This year a new sport was introduced district wide: flag football. Immediately everyone at our school was excited to join the sport as soon as it was announced. Freshman, Cadence Skeen, was one of these excited players and jumped at the chance to join. Though learning a completely new sport is difficult for anyone, Skeen saw it as a learning opportunity. “I feel like I've improved a lot since the start going in not knowing anything and now knowing a whole new sport…and my coach helped me learn everything I need to know,” said Skeen. Overtime with the help of her coaches Skeen slowly got the hang of the sport.
Over the course of the season, flag football was starting to come easy to Skeen. Starting with no prior experience, Skeen was adapting to playing a completely the new sport. “The very first game I was nervous, never playing before and against a team who's played before was very nerve racking, but the last game, I felt more confident,” said Skeen. As the games went on she began feeling more confident in herself, the team, and knowing how they all can play together as a team.
Flag football while it may seem daunting as it was just introduced this year, Skeen likes to think otherwise. “I’d encourage [everyone] to try it because its a fun learning experience and you don't really have to be good to do it, and overall, its a fun sport to play,” said Skeen. With its welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on teamwork, flag football is a great way for anyone, regardless of skill level, to get active, make new friends, and be part of something exciting. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself or simply have fun, it’s a sport that anyone can enjoy and grow with.
Cecelia Nardone is stepping into a new challenge this year as the quarterback for Melbourne High School’s flag football team. Even though it’s her first season playing the sport, she’s already impacting the field. “I like how I’m able to take control and see what's going on the field and command my team,” Nardone said. Her leadership in the quarterback position reflects her athletic ability, confidence, and awareness on the field.
Nardone’s experience as a multi-sport athlete has prepared her well for the demands of balancing school and athletics. “I have been doing double sports since middle school so I’ve learned to find balance,” she explained. Her discipline and time management skills have allowed her to stay on top of her academics while committing herself fully to a new sport. Her decision to join flag football came from her wanting to step outside her comfort zone. “It’s my first year playing flag and I wanted to try something new so I decided to try out. It’s a lot,” she shared.
What makes Nardone’s experience even more unique is the sense of pride she feels representing one of only two flag football teams in Brevard County. “We are one of two teams in Brevard to have a flag football team so it’s exciting,” Nardone shared. She also described her team as “energetic,” a word that captures the spirit and enthusiasm she and her teammates bring to each game.