Flag Football Wraps Up Their Inaugural Season by Ali Myers
For Ali Myers, being on the first-ever girls' flag football team at Mel High was such an exciting and unforgettable experience. During the last game, she said, “I felt confident and determined, and after we won, I was beyond happy and proud of how far our team had come”. It was an amazing way to close out the season. “One of my favorite memories was scoring the first touchdown in Brevard on our home field. It was such a memorable moment and made even better by being surrounded by such sweet, competitive teammates,” said Myers. “From the first game to the last, I saw us grow so much, not just in how we played but in how we supported each other and connected as a team. Playing tougher, opponents challenged us and helped us improve every time we stepped on the field,” said Myers. Myers gives credit to her coach, saying, “None of it would’ve been possible without Coach Thompson, who pushed us to be our best and brought out the best in each of us. I’m so grateful to have been part of something so special”.
For Aubrey Orcutt, during the game, “I felt so happy that I was with my team and just playing the game that I love,” said Orcutt. After the final whistle, she was still filled with joy but also shared, “I was also so sad that the season was over.” Being on the first-ever girls' flag football team at Mel was a meaningful experience for her. “It was an amazing experience, especially to see the team grow and improve so much from the start of the season,” said Orcutt. After their hard-fought win, the feeling was unforgettable. “I felt amazing because we put in so much hard work, and we got the outcome we worked for,” Orcutt shared. While she didn’t have one specific moment that stood out, she reflected that “my favorite memory wasn’t specific; it was the whole experience of playing the game.” Looking back on the season, Orcutt felt proud of how far the team had come. “I feel that the team grew so much and got so much better by the end of the season and that next year they are going to do even better,” said Orcutt.
For Hailey Ostrander, after the last game she said, “I wasn’t sad or anything. I was just happy that I got to experience being a part of two sports having an inaugural season in my four years of being in high school. One being flag football, and one being Beach Volleyball”. “It was definitely a change from what I’m used to, because I’ve never been in contact sports before. I had to learn a lot of football terms and plays that I wasn’t familiar with because I grew up a baseball rather than a football family,” said Ostrander. “I’m usually a very competitive person, but with flag football and everyone being brand new to the sport, I wasn’t angry or upset that we lost ever. It was definitely a learning curve for all of us who are on the team, but regardless of wins and losses I think we all had a pretty fun time. It was also fun to be a few teams who thought we were an easy win because it was our first season,” Ostrander said. Then when asked what her favorite memory was she said, “my favorite memory from the season would have to be pouring ice on Coach Thompson at the end of the season after our win on senior night”. Lastly, “Our team grew and improved in every aspect of the sport. I think the biggest part of how we grew as a team was realizing that, even if we’re technically not doing anything or touching the ball in the play, we all have an important part in execution of the play. Whether it being pulling in a defender, or screening for someone else to run, everyone has a part,” said Ostrander