TYNGSBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The girls flag football team at Greater Lowell Technical High School is part of a growing league in Massachusetts which is redefining a sport typically associated with men.
Head Coach Randy Briere explained that during tryouts this year, around 50 girls showed up, but only 18 made the cut.
He went on to praise his players’ commitment and work ethic. “Their compete level is top-notch. Every day they bring it,” he said, which seemed to be true come rain or shine. On Thursday, the team ran drills in the frigid rain to prepare for their first game of the season.
Jaylene Tatro, a junior who plays quarterback, shared her thoughts on the upcoming game. “We have a great chance with the team our coaches have picked out. I love everyone on our team. I think we’re working well together.”
She also explained why she chose flag football, “Every year I sign up for a sport. I’ve done softball the past two years, so seeing a new sport, it’s very intriguing and interesting. So it’s exciting to do something new.”
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Flag football is more physical compared to the other sports she has played, said Jaylene.
Mia Phaneuf, a freshman safety and receiver who used to be a cheerleader, said, “It was something I had never really done, and I kind of wanted to push myself to go out of my comfort zone… and I ended up really, really liking the sport.”
Kendra O’Brien, a junior on the team, shared how she became interested in football.
“I always threw a football around with my dad when I was younger. I always played catch with my brother and his friends.”
When the chance came to play flag football, she said, “My opportunity is there, so I took it.”
Despite the growing popularity of the sport, there has been some pushback. Mia discussed the reactions of boys at the school. “There’s been some guys who are like, ‘Oh, wow, that’s so cool!’ And then there are others like, ‘You can’t play. You’re a girl.’”
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The coaches at Greater Lowell Tech said they believe the girls might have the chance to be offered college scholarships for flag football in the coming years.
“If I were to have the opportunity for a scholarship in flag football, I would definitely take it,” said Mia.
Kayla Balamotis, another coach, said, “It’s just grown, even among boys... the sport is something to bring girls and boys together."
The flag football league that the girls play in has more than doubled in size over the past year.
And the popularity of the sport includes spectator turnout. Briere said that at their scrimmage against Greater Lawrence Technical School on Monday, “we had a great turnout.”
Greater Lowell Tech’s girls flag football team’s first game is Friday night.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.
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