Girls’ Flag Football is very new for Hughson High, with this year only being the second season. There have been many familiar faces, along with lots of new ones. 

Amongst some of the new players is Ashlynn Merritt. Ashlynn is a sophomore playing on Varsity – this is her first time ever playing. Merritt explained that she tried out for flag football originally after playing a season of volleyball and deciding it wasn’t for her. Ashlynn is also a multi-sport athlete, with a 4.0 GPA. When she was asked how she balances school and sports, she said, “by making sure I finish all my school work during the day, so I don’t get overwhelmed.”

When she was asked about goals, not just her, but also her team, she said, “ As an individual, my goals are to encourage my team and to simply to improve my skill, but as a team, I look forward to having fun, creating memories, and making friendships.” Ashlynn also described her team’s dynamic as “Such a great group of girls. I have never felt like I didn’t have someone to talk to or encourage me. We encourage each other off and on the field.”

Ashlynn’s favorite part about flag football, as she said before, is the environment. “My favorite thing about flag football has been making new friendships. I love all my teammates like sisters, and I love how we are all so close.” When she was asked what has been her biggest challenge so far, she replied, “… having the mental ability and toughness to still put effort in, even if you are losing.” 

She was asked if she would recommend flag football to anyone scared of trying out, and she eagerly replied with, “I would most definitely recommend flag football to those who haven’t tried it because I was unsure about trying out myself, and I just went out on a limb. I ended up making varsity and making so many new, valuable connections.”