It’s been a while since a new sport was introduced, but Flag Football has been added to the Trojan sports family with JV and Varsity teams joining the Gabilan division of the PCAL.
Flag football has been a topic of discussion among athletic directors for approximately two years. According to Athletic Director Jose Gil, “The planning process began, but the program was not ready for implementation last year due to the extensive logistics involved in establishing a new sport.” However, the preparations were drafted and executed this year, including hiring coaches and obtaining the necessary equipment.
The position of becoming the first Varsity Coach went on for about a year and Sports Medicine teacher Marisol Rasul took the role. “I decided to take the head coach position for the flag football team because I wanted to make a positive impact on the girls, build a strong team, and be part of a sport that is new and growing both nationally and internationally,” Rasul said, “My motivation stems from a desire to empower young athletes and contribute to the development of a sport that is gaining momentum.”
Joining Rasul is Assistant Coach Jose Jauregui, who brings a wide range of coaching experience and is also an Alisal alum. Rasul said the goals for this first season were to “make a positive impact on the girls, build a strong team, and be part of a sport that is new and growing both nationally and internationally.” Rasul wants the athletes “to be determined, focused, disciplined, and to always have a positive attitude and grit.”
The most promising players this season, according to Rasul are senior quarterback Jasmine Estrada, senior safety Alieen Gonzalez-Pacheco, and junior Mia Rivera. Rivera said, “I think for our first year we are doing fantastic. We’re playing against a lot of teams who have been playing for about 2 years now.” Rivera stated, “So, I think for our first year we are doing pretty well.”
The goals for these girls have helped them in many ways. Gonzalez-Pacheco said,“ My first goal is to make more memories with my team since it’s my senior year and to get ready for basketball.” Estrada said, “Our goal for this season was to coach a group of girls who have not played flag football and coach them to compete.”
Through the 11 games, the team is 6 -5, with three games to go. Angelique Cabrera said, “After our first victory vs Alvarez my emotions were mixed. I was happy, excited, but mostly proud of myself and my team for working together and taking a win vs them.”
The team is very happy with how the season has been going so far and plans to only get better in the next couple of games they have left. “I think overall, It’s been nothing but a sisterhood,” Rivera said. “Just being able to get to know other people, being able to compete with them. For me personally, it has been very fun and I look forward to playing next year as well.”
For some others, it is their first and final time being able to play. Estrada said, “I truly believe that as a team we have grown a lot from day 1 and our skills have improved a lot and we have been able to put up a good fight against really good teams.”
