News Summary
Saddleback College’s first women’s flag football team finished its inaugural season with an impressive record of 10 wins and 3 losses, earning recognition as California’s top college team and ranking 10th nationally. Despite many players being new to the sport, they showcased excellent teamwork and determination. Their commitment led to a strong performance, including a second-place finish at the Cal Lutheran Championship Tournament. The players aspire for the program to transition into an officially recognized college sport, highlighting the growth potential for women’s athletics at Saddleback College.
Mission Viejo, California – Saddleback College is making headlines as its first-ever women’s flag football team celebrates a successful inaugural season. Since starting this spring, the team has achieved an impressive record of 10 wins and 3 losses, with their only defeats coming from the IVC Lasers and the FC Spartans. Notably, they have been recognized as the No. 1 college team in California and ranked 10th nationally.
The journey for the team began in January, with practice sessions focused on conditioning and strategy leading up to their first game in March. Despite most players being new to flag football and lacking prior experience in the sport, they have demonstrated remarkable teamwork and determination throughout the season. This strong commitment is reflected in their performance on the field as well as their adaptability in learning the game’s nuances.
With rigorous training comprising three practices a week, the team emphasizes plays, routes, and team bonding. Players have noted the supportive environment, describing the team atmosphere as family-oriented. Recently, they showcased their skills at the Cal Lutheran Championship Tournament, where they earned a commendable second-place finish—a surprising achievement considering they had only been together for around six to seven weeks.
A number of the players came to the team through various channels on campus. For instance, Ana Campos, a freshman majoring in political science, discovered the team through a flyer and has taken on the dual role of wide receiver and linebacker. Meanwhile, Kara Lehmenkuler, a nursing major who heard announcements at the stadium, has enjoyed the fulfilling and rewarding experience offered by the flag football team.
Another player, Jesenia Valdez, who is a senior at Upland High School, joined the team after being contacted by Coach Brail. She described the championship experience as overwhelming, highlighting the inclusive nature of the program where new players can thrive. Tessa Campbell, majoring in broadcast journalism, plays as a middle linebacker and running back and underscored the importance of communication and support among teammates during practices and competitions.
The team’s positive initial experience has prompted aspirations for future development, with players expressing hopes for the program to transition from a club sport to an officially recognized college sport. Isabelle Whittaker, a kinesiology major, remarked on the fun and active environment fostered through the coaching and team dynamics, echoing the shared sentiment among her teammates.
As the season draws to a close, the players and coaches remain optimistic about the future of the women’s flag football program at Saddleback College. With continued interest from both newcomers and returning players, there are aspirations for the program’s growth and success in forthcoming seasons. The foundational work laid during this inaugural season represents both progress and potential for women’s sports at the college level, marking a significant milestone in the development of female athletic opportunities within the institution.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Women’s Flag Football Comes to Santiago Canyon College
- Wikipedia: Women’s Flag Football
- Lariat News: Saddleback Introduces New Women’s Flag Football Team
- Google Search: Women’s Flag Football
- Daily News: Cal Lutheran Tournament Hints at the Future of Women’s Flag Football
- Google Scholar: Women’s Flag Football
- Sports Business Journal: RX3 to Host Fourth Charity Flag Football Tournament
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Flag Football
- LA Times: High School Flag Football Week 4 Scores
- Google News: Women’s Flag Football
