Nixa High School’s Women’s Flag Football team kicked off its second season on April 4 in Kansas City against Lee’s Summit West High School and Notre Dame de Sion High School.

The team had tryouts the week after spring break and then started its practices for the upcoming games. Game play is the main focus of practices. During practice, the players learn how to use and build up their strengths for future games.

   “Practice is focused on improving skills like catching, throwing and flag pulling along with working on our schemes and plays,” Coach and Offensive Coordinator Dustin Baldwin said.

   So far, the team has been trying to improve its terminology and communication, which might not be seen in the field. 

   “[The] players that played last year have a head start on those that didn’t, so getting everyone caught up will be a challenge,” Baldwin said. “[But our main goal is to just] have fun and try our best.” 

   The coaches work with their athletes throughout practices and games to help them improve. Throughout practices, they ensure their athletes are ready for what will come at them during a game. The coaches help the new players get caught up with the others and help them perfect their skills.

   “My favorite part is the coaches,” Corner on the team, Junior Emma Nguyen said. “They’re really friendly and make practices and games super fun. They don’t put a lot of pressure on us, but also, they help us to get better.”

   Being on the flag football team focuses on things other than skill. It also focuses on relationships. Playing on the team creates bonds between the players. These bonds help the teammates on the field as well as off the field. 

   “We [all] got really close,” Nguyen said. “We have to learn to work with each other and rely on each person. So you learn to trust somebody.”  

   The dynamic atmosphere shows how the girls work together on the field. They can learn while still having fun.

   “It’s just a fun environment to be in, learning something new,” wide receiver Senior Tallan Russell said. “The people who are playing are really welcoming.”

   Flag football is a quick-moving sport. The game involves swift transitions and vigorous plays, and players tend to run across the field with little time to rest.

   “It’s really fast-paced,” Russell said. “You don’t really get a break in between games at all.” 

   During the season, practices are on the small field near the Early Learning Center. Practices are two to three times a week after school, and games are on Fridays, except for tournaments on Saturdays. During games, the varsity and junior varsity teams play two games each, all lasting around 40 minutes. Maybe say something like the tryouts are open to players of all ability levels, including those who are new to the sport. 

   “If someone’s wanting to give it a try, I definitely would,” Russell said. “If they’re scared of trying something, I would just go for it.”