Ranked No. 13 in the country, Miami Palmetto Senior High girls’ flag football team has yet to disappoint this year. With daily practices and determination, the team is working towards a successful season.
The team’s effort, however, goes beyond their performance on the field. Pregame rituals set the tone for most teams, and the girls’ flag football team is no exception. One aspect of the team’s pregame routine is a group prayer. This meaningful act grounds the team, allowing each other to have a moment of peace before the whistle blows. Other traditions, like huddles, significantly impact the team’s morale on and off the field.
“On the defensive side, we have handshakes before every game, or before every play. After we make a good play, of course, everybody gets hyped, but we do [handshakes] before, every single time,” senior and girls’ flag football defensive back Takaylah Strowbridge said.
To Strowbridge, they do not play for themselves, but for each other. This unselfishness on the field is their key to success. The collective wins keep the team motivated and also encourage team members to support one another through adversity.
“Our relationship is definitely stronger. When we first started, everyone was still trying to know each other, because a lot of people were still new … but now we’re all like a family,” senior and girls’ flag football wide receiver Kylie Dixon said.
As flawless as their winning streak has felt, the Lady Panthers are put to the ultimate test when plays are not going their way. During a game, one mistake can make or break a whole game. The team’s ability to maintain a clear mind in stressful situations is highlighted as the season intensifies with end-of-season tournaments, such as the Greater Miami Athletic Conference. The players have to trust that the work they put in at practice will pay off.
“There’s been a couple of games where we’ve been down, and we fight to get back up; those are times when we’re getting put to the test,” Strowbridge said. “You really see how we stick together and bring each other up and continue to play.”
Through all the challenges thrown their way, the MPSH girls’ flag football team is dedicated to adjusting and striving for improvement. Their drive to keep improving is reflected in their performance this season.
