Girls flag football is a relatively new sport, but it is one that continues to grow rapidly. In fact, the sport is currently under consideration to become an official NCAA Emerging Sport for Women. Here at San Leandro High, the girls flag football team has been on a good winning streak in spite of recent injuries to key players on the team.
The team captain, junior Mia Poe, recently suffered from a serious concussion but recovered quickly to continue playing for her team, all the while keeping up with her grades and maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. Poe also has a job in the area and helps with her family business despite her very busy schedule.
“When I got a concussion and couldn’t play, I helped other girls on the team instead by observing games and coaching my teammates when needed,” said Poe. “It was hard to stay motivated but my team helped my recovery by encouraging me and reminding me that they needed help on the field.”
In spite of her concussion she returned to play in a game against Kipp King High School and scored two touchdowns, a two-point conversion and three interceptions.
“There are still a lot of injuries not just to me, but my teammates too,” said Poe.
Many people view girls flag football as an easy sport however these athletes have to deal with injuries just as much as any other sport. Poe has managed to overcome all of the hardships because of her positive community. Poe’s teachers and coaches are extremely supportive of her time restraints as she is balancing practice, school and work.
“My teachers always help me make work up when I need it and my coaches let us use practice as a time to study and do work,” said Poe.
Athletes on the girls flag football team are encouraged to keep their grades up and prioritize school when it’s necessary.
“I always have to stay on task. I have a strict schedule to get everything done so that I can keep my grades up,” said Poe.
Since Poe is interested in playing flag football in college if possible, it is very important to her to stay on top of everything and maintain her incredible self discipline. Girls flag football, like any sport, can be extremely difficult but you can form lifelong friendships, community and learn true responsibility. Since it is still a growing sport, Poe encourages other girls to take a chance and try it out, in spite of it being difficult.
“My advice to girls wanting to join flag football is don’t give up because it’s not easy,” said Poe.
