Freshmen June Floyd and Tia Wang earned spots on the Varsity Flag Football team, showcasing their skill and confidence while adjusting to a higher level of competition, Thomas Godbout, Varsity Flag Football Head Coach, said.
After making the team, Floyd and Wang had to adjust to playing alongside upperclassmen. Their first season on the team also gives them an unique opportunity to build relationships with teammates, Wang said.
“Even though I am the youngest on the team, I have never been treated differently because of it,” Wang said. “The older girls are all welcoming and I have already learned a lot from them.”
Both players developed their skills competing for the AllGo Flag Football Academy, a local all-girls travel program that prepares youth athletes for the high school level, Wang said. Floyd and Wang excel in contrasting areas, with Floyd being more successful on the defensive side and Wang standing out on the offensive side, Godbout said.
“They are two of the most powerful players we have,” Godbout said. “It is rare when you see that kind of maturity and knowledge of the game at such a young age.”
Earning a spot on the top roster immediately changed how Floyd and Wang approach the field, Floyd said. Moving away from club sports shifted the stakes of each match, she said. The outcome of these games carry an emotional weight that does not exist in casual summer leagues, Floyd said.
“We have all been playing at a high level, but it’s much different when it’s not a little club team and the wins and losses are fine, but at school, this is some of the seniors’ last years,” Floyd said.
Stepping into a high school varsity team often forces young players to confront a major difference in sheer physical size, Godbout said. Facing older, more developed upperclassmen can be a significant mental hurdle during early scrimmages, he said. Despite those differences, the fundamental mechanics of the sport keep the game balanced, Godbout said.
“There is a big difference from a physicality standpoint,” Godbout said, “However, you can kind of get away with that in flag football because it is a non-contact sport. As long as you are fast and agile, it does not matter how big and strong you are.”
Bringing the different age groups together extended far beyond formal athletic drills, Godbout said. Creating a unified team required the players to blend their different high school interests and social circles, he said.
“The older players razz the younger ones a little bit here and there, but it’s nothing too bad,” Godbout said, “Floyd and Wang are both very funny, so they fire right back at them and it’s been a really good mix of personalities.”
The transition was easier due to a long-term connection between the two freshmen, Floyd said. Having a close friend navigate the same high-stakes environment provided mutual support, she said. Their shared competitive background helped them adapt to the environment together, Floyd said.
“I have known her for more than six years,” Floyd said, “Going through this with somebody who is going through the exact same thing as you is good to have somebody to relate to.”
Having young athletes earn varsity spots early allows the coaching staff to mold them over the next three seasons, Godbout said. This extended time in the program helps players learn lessons about perseverance, and a dedication to their craft, he said.
“Floyd and Wang are already at a high level, so imagine what they will be like when competing at the varsity level where you do not get better competition,” Godbout said.