A new era of athletics has arrived in Mendham with the creation of our first girls flag football team this spring, advised by Mr. Brown to create a team that’s focused on learning the sport and having fun. When it comes to interest for this new sport, the team has had huge success this season, with around 29 players to show for it.
Interestingly enough, the girls’ flag football team isn’t a part of any of the leagues in New Jersey, the most notable one being the NFL FLAG high school girls’ league. According to Mr. Brown, “it was Lisa Nolan and Olivia Petrucci about a year and a half ago” who chose to bring girls’ flag football to Mendham. He goes on to say that they “discussed it in [their] freshman PE class, [they] tried to generate interest, and [it] had to be student-led” to become a new club or activity. He explains that “those two took responsibility initially and then [he] just [supported] it as an adviser.” Mr. Brown also emphasized that the process was long.
“[We have been] trying to get enough engagement and have enough girls even interested and get the word out.” Despite the “ups and downs along the way,” it is inherently clear that their journey has been successful, as it is likely for the state to take it over by 2027, at the latest, to where it can be a varsity team or varsity sport. The league that the team expects to join is the Super Football Conference League, which consists of a set of five to seven games with championships at the MetLife Stadium and a postseason.
Although the team, as of now, may not be a part of a formal league, they still have a schedule of around 7 to 8 “exhibition games.” The hesitancy to remain outside a league for the time being is strategic, since the school wanted to “make sure that there’s enough interest throughout the following year” and commitment from the players before making further investments financially.
Team Captains Avery Koch and Phoebe Wintz have embraced their roles with enthusiasm, finding their experiences to be memorable. Avery, a wide receiver, exclaims that she has been waiting for a program like this to form at Mendham and that she “[has] been so excited.” She expressed that she “loved watching [football], and I thought it’d be a fun experience because girls have never had the opportunity to play flag or football before.” It is clear that the club has been impactful for many, that a lot of dedication is required for the students leading it, and that they are committed, having practice “Monday through Friday” and sometimes Saturday, varying from “3 to 4:30 [or] 3:00 to 5:00.” Phoebe, a defensive rusher (edge rusher), explains that their role as team captains is to ensure that “everyone feels included [often], that everyone knows what’s going on, [that important] information [is sent out], that spirit wear [is figured out],” and that “[there are] demonstrations for different drills.” Avery elaborates further, expressing that they are “in charge of managing team bonding.” She says, “Phoebe and I are planning a pasta night and a senior night.”
Both captains encourage other students to get involved in the future and to support the team. Avery believes more people should join and that it is a great way to make new connections. Phoebe agreed with this, stating that “everyone should definitely try it out. Even if you don’t really play many sports or anything, you don’t have to be the greatest athlete ever to do it.” Overall, this new experience has been exciting and new for the school.
