The recently formed Jones Varsity Girls flag football team had a successful 2023 season due to their hard work and prioritization of teamwork.

The team did well during this year’s season, winning almost every game they played.

“We had a game where we won 41-0…we really just became comfortable in our craft, and we were able to play without nervousness and with confidence, which allowed us to run up the score super high,” said Captain Triseana Williams ‘24.

The sport offers girls an opportunity to play football without the added risk of injury.

“I think that flag football is becoming big because of how dangerous tackle football can be,” said Williams. “It’s becoming a good replacement for people who still want to play football but don’t want to risk getting hurt.”

The players have improved their skills and developed new strategies since last year’s season.

“Last year, we didn’t really know any of the play names or anything. We really just did whatever we wanted,” said Williams. “This year our new coach taught us all the technical stuff, and that really helped us in the long run because I can see the improvement.”

Being able to collaborate helped the team throughout the season as they bonded and got to know one another.

“The season went smoothly because we’re like a family, and there wasn’t any drama within the group which allowed us to all learn together,” said Williams. “It allowed us to become such a good team in such a small amount of time.”

Newer players also appreciated how the more experienced players made everyone on the team feel welcome.

“Flag football gives us a lot of opportunity to meet everyone on both the JV and Varsity teams. Everyone gets to come together,” said JV and Varsity level player Abby Weinraub ‘26. “The Varsity players help the JV players and it feels like we’re all more connected than our grade level.”

The closeness of the players helped them work together to win their games.

“What helps our team win is being able to talk to each other and tell each other what we are doing wrong so we can fix it,” said Weinraub. “We are able to connect with everyone on the team and form really strong relationships.”

Players on the team see the effects of how their communication and collaboration helped them become better overall.

“Prioritizing teamwork helps us win because the sport doesn’t work unless everyone works together and cooperates. Once we understand each other and how we each play the game, the team functions much smoother,” said JV and Varsity level player Steph Czech ‘25.

The structure of their practice schedule also helped the team improve.

“Our games are on the weekends, which gives us all week to connect and get to know everyone who is playing,” said JV quarterback Julissa Galvez ‘26.

Getting to spend the week working together and preparing for games made the group more prepared.

“We also have practice a lot throughout the week and that helps us win a lot of games, which is a good feeling,” said Weinraub.

Having confidence in themselves was an added factor in the team’s success.

“In order to win, we would enter games with confidence and have faith in our skills,” said Czech.

As the 2023 season comes to a close, the team looks forward to next year’s season and fondly reflects on the previous one.

“I’m sad about this year’s season coming to a close because I had a really fun time playing at games,” said Weinraub. “I’m already excited for next season because I think it will be fun to build on my skills next year and feel more confident in the game.”