Hughson High School has finally begun an exciting era in the athletic program as Girls Flag Football takes its first bold steps onto campus. This sport has been on the rise throughout the past few years, giving girls a new level of confidence and strength. Recently, more people are starting to ask the question: if boys can play football, why can’t girls?
When the opportunity arose, Mr. Garza immediately jumped at the chance to be the Head Varsity Coach, stating, “Flag football provides a great opportunity for young ladies to showcase their talents in ways that were not available before.” There are always so many talented Lady Huskies on campus, and flag football is just another chance for these girls to show their competitive nature. Coach Garza is making history, not only as the coach of the first girls’ flag football team at Hughson High, but also by leading the girls to win the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship last year.
Coach Garza led his girls into Hughson High history while Quarterback Leah Hobby took her team all the way to the Section Championship and won it all. Leah decided to take a chance, and after playing flag football for the first time, she fell in love with it quickly. Here’s what Leah had to say about winning a Section Championship, coming back for a new season with most of her teammates gone, and what she hopes for this year: “The first Flag Football game will forever be my favorite and hold some of my favorite memories. Coach Garza made every practice and game fun, but this team as a whole is what really made the season unforgettable. Each game with my teammates felt so easy and I think that’s what made us so successful. For this upcoming season, I hope to continue the sisterhood and hopefully win. I believe if we continue to practice hard and believe in each other, I have no doubt we will succeed.”
Can they do it again this season with so many teammates gone after graduation? Coach Garza spoke about what his goals are for this year: “As far as accomplishments, winning the TVL is always a goal. You should always seek to be the best in your league. However, the main goals that I have for all of the teams I coach are the same: to become a better teammate and person, learn how to handle disappointment correctly, and to be appreciative of the opportunities you are given. These traits go beyond the sport and are more important than winning or losing.”
Now, Emma, a former player who is out with a broken finger, shares how she thinks the girls can improve from watching on the sidelines. Emma stated, “I think the team could improve by being more confident and not being afraid to get hurt.”
Everyone is excited for what this season and sport has to offer, and to see how all the girls develop and gain confidence—hopefully leading them to another Championship win!
