Flag football is a growing sport all across the country with 2.4 million kids under 17 years old playing in the United States, according to NFL Football Operations. Historically, there have been less opportunities for girls to participate in sports. When Title IX was passed, it enforced a policy where there had to be a girls equivalent to any dominant boys sport, if the boys team was already funded by the government. Title IX gave girls an opportunity to participate and be included on a team, and the same is true today. Chamblee started an all-girls flag football team three years ago, and their third season is fast approaching. A major aspect of team sports is the community and team bonding that goes along with it, and CHS’s flag football is no exception. Many members describe the team as supportive, and most athletes find the team environment positively impactful for them on and off the football field.

“If everyone was mean and [un]welcoming, I would have quit the first day. The welcoming environment is so encouraging,” said Mackenzie Olaitan (‘27). “I’m able to grow and feel that it’s okay to mess up.”

Raleigh Miller (‘28), a new flag football athlete, agreed and shared how helpful the community has been as she’s learning the sport.

“[The other athletes are] not going to gossip amongst themselves and talk about how bad I am; it makes me feel confident enough to learn new things,” said Miller.

Team Captain Lara Smith (‘26) explained how she tries to keep up the community aspect of the team.

“I always like to have an up-tempo, high vibration at all times,” said Smith.

The sense of community does not stop at the field. The coaches offer volunteer opportunities in hopes of building character among the students. So far this season, athletes had the opportunity to volunteer at Impact Community Food Bank in Gwinnett County. They packaged food and helped the underprivileged shop for groceries. Some coaches, like Coach Tanisea Coleman, the assistant coach, participated in the community service with the players. Coach Erica Harris, the head coach, described the importance of this community service, sharing her view of character in sports.

“Your character speaks for who you are,” said Coach Harris. “Regardless of if you’re a young adult or if you become an older person, your character speaks volumes for anyone that you’re around.”

This mindset helps athletes on and off the field, impacting their interactions with one another. Alex Clary (‘27), a third year flag athlete, has found that her mind space has changed since she started playing flag football at CHS.

“I’m more disciplined and also relaxed [since I started playing] because you’re supposed to have fun while playing [flag football],” said Clary.

Dani Rodriguez (‘27) agreed, explaining how playing flag football changed the way she thinks about athletics.

“[Flag football has] given me more motivation to take care of my body and enhance my athletic performance,” said Rodriguez.

The athletes’ mindsets are not the only improvements, with the entire program advancing since its inaugural season in 2023.

“We have more coaching staff [this season], so more people are involved in the team, [and] we have more players,” said Clary. “More coaches means we know what we’re doing this year.”

Emily Papirio (‘27) agreed and commented on the team’s improvement along with her own.

“I think our teamwork and our coordination [has improved from previous years], and my ability to memorize plays [has also improved],” said Papirio.

Overall, most of the flag athletes find the community to be the most influential aspect of their playing experience. The relationships between the athletes helps to create a safe learning and playing environment.

“We have people that support us and that are confident in us. It makes [flag football] a lot more fun and much easier,” said Clary. 

For some athletes, the decision to play flag football had a deeper reasoning.

“I’ve always had a love for football in general because me and my father watch football all the time,” said Smith.

Sierra Thornton (‘28) had her own motivation in trying out for the team.

“I played it when I was younger,” said Thornton. “I played on a youth team, so I decided to give it a try again.”

Looking into the near future, Coach Harris explained what she wants to see from this season.

“I’m looking forward to the playoffs and being able to make it further than we have these past two years,” said Coach Harris.