Coral Gables Senior High’s girls flag football team recently resumed their practices for the new spring season. Despite losing some seniors, the team has been working hard to ensure wins for their upcoming games. The girls are determined to have the best season possible and put their best efforts.
“I’ve noticed a drive this year. In the past two years, everyone was very involved and cared a lot, but this year, I feel like it’s a little different and holds a different meaning to me in particular because I am a team’s senior captain. I’ve noticed everyone working even harder this year, especially with the new coaches,” senior Penelope Acevedo said.
The girls practice daily, staying from 2:45 to 5:00 p.m, working to improve their pre-existing skills, along with their endurance and stamina. These Lady Cavaliers intend to keep working hard and consistently put in effort to help them reach their ultimate goal: winning states.
“The whole idea of the game and the different ways you have to interact with your team to win a game is super exciting. The high amount of team chemistry is crucial for a strong team because everything depends on the setup of the game. I believe we’re this year we’re closer to states than ever before,” junior Soleil Pazos said.
The girls’ daily practice begins with basic routes, lasting for around 20 minutes before they go stretch. After, they go into special team practice, where they work on catching and returning the ball.
Continuing their practice, the team spends time pulling flags and ensuring their technique is on point. Finally, they work on punts and fill in gaps when a ball is in action.
“The best part about being on the team is the quality time spent together and the ability to understand each other more; though, since the previous year, I think our communication has matured. I think our team is doing pretty well and am excited to join again next year,” sophomore Hannah Pascel-Florez said.
During the summer, coach Alton Stratchan led “summer lift”, a program in which the players would life weights from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, the Lady Cavaliers incremented their strength during the summer, commencing on June 20 and ending on Aug. 7.
“Whatever skill or drill we see the players didn’t get at practice, we work on it the next day and introduce it another way, just like if a teacher taught a math equation you don’t understand, they could show you another way to understand it. That’s what it’s like in flag football,” coach Stratchan said.
The team treats each other both as a team and as a family. The players form deep connections and create lasting relationships built on trust with one another, drastically improving their gameplay.
“We have a good team this year, but we’re doing a lot more conditioning this year. My favorite part about playing on the team is playing defense, but I love how we’re really connected as a team,” sophomore Fara Lux said.
The team is coached by Coach Alton Stratchan, alongside four captains: freshman Emilia Kohnstamm, sophomore Hannah Pascel-Florez, junior Soleil Pazos and senior Penelope Acevedo. Each week, the captains work together to improve the team’s strategy, going into games.
This season, Gables strives to win as many games as possible, especially matchups against their rival teams: Miami Senior High and Miami Palmetto Senior High.
“I love playing flag football. It’s my favorite sport and means everything to me. It’s something I want to pursue in the future. My favorite part about being on the team is working together and competing to win. The team has become more competitive overall and has improved since previous years, and hopefully, we get even better,” sophomore Yasemin Obuz said.
Locked in for their first game of the season, the Lady Cavaliers are scheduled to play on Feb. 23 against Coral Park Senior High. Due to their consistent training and hard work, they are looking forward to having a great season.
“In coaching, you teach family. We create a family bond so you play stronger for each other. In any sport, if you can’t trust the girl next to you or behind you, it’s gonna affect your entire team,” Coach Strachan said.
