The California Interscholastic Foundation (CIF) decided to introduce a sport state-wide: girls’ flag football. Monarchs will play against other WACC teams, which include – but are not limited to – Tennyson High School, San Leandro High School, and Encinal High School. Flag football is similar to regular football, simply without the tackling and with flag pulling instead – in fewer words, safer!
According to one of the coaches, Coach Ty, girls flag football may soon be considered as an Olympic sport. Since the sport is new, no team has any advantage, meaning girls with any skill level are open to participate. Coach Soto and Coach Ty said they will teach the girls how to play and help guide the team to victory.
When asked what she looks for in a player, Coach Soto said, “Tenacity and a good work ethic, and willing to learn and open to new ideas.” Both coaches mentioned wanting their players’ main focus to be to have fun. However, despite our school’s best efforts to promote the new sport, Soto mentioned the team is short on players and they are recruiting girls to join the team. If you are interested, this is your sign to join!
To join the team, you simply need athletic clearance from the school – an up-to-date physical and good grades. If needed, the school will provide help and resources to get a physical done. Practices are about two hours and a half on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays while games are on Thursdays. Their next home game will be against Hayward High on October 12. Come to the game to show your support for our Monarchs!
The Monarchs lost their first game against Encinal High School, but Yamilet Villegas, a senior on the team, said the players, “…felt more… powerful, and we won the last two games.” Yamilet had no previous experience playing the sport, and girls’ flag football is the first sport she has ever been involved in at Mt. Eden. “If someone wants to try a sport, they should definitely try flag football because it’s really fun,” Yamilet added.
“This season, what I want the most is for the girls to have a good experience,” Soto added. “Girl power!”
