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The inaugural girl’s flag football team in the school’s history started their season on Feb. 20, going up against Crooms Academy and emerging with a 12-0 victory. Just two weeks into the season, the newly formed team has already won two games.
A new team sport comes with many obstacles. With many girls learning the sport for the first time and others having to adjust to a new team chemistry, there has been lots of inevitable growth throughout the season already.
“When I first heard that Seminole County was introducing girls flag football as an FHSAA sport, I was eager to be part of growing a new sport for girls,” said coach Christine Dufrain. “It is an honor to help lead this team of young women as they set the standard for those entering the sport in the years to come.”
The girls are making history by joining this sport, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for female high school athletes in many areas.
“It honestly feels so awesome making history at Lake Brantley,” said sophomore Payton Reynolds. “I wanted to try out because I loved playing with my cousins and I wanted to do something new.”
The girls have had their challenges this season but have practiced hard to continue dominating on the field. As the sport sweeps the country, many are happy that Seminole County is taking a progressive step towards progress by giving female athletes a chance to shine in a historically male-dominated sport.
“It feels good to know that my team and I are the first girls to be part of such a huge milestone for Seminole County as well as for [the school],” said senior Lanyla Husdspeth. “I’ve always thought [the school] should have a girls football team, so as soon as I saw the opportunity I jumped at the chance.”
This team has brought so much to the campus already by bringing together a group of young girls, allowing them to try new things and forge new friendships and relationships.
“It feels like I’m setting an example for what we can actually do, especially as one of the captains,” junior Milani Edwards said, “It feels empowering to be part of a sport that would be considered a ‘male’ sport.”
