Gaining a touchdown, making playoff history, and winning against Grayslake Central High School’s rival, Grayslake North High School, are just some of the highlights that came from the 2025 girls Varsity flag football season.
Flag football is in it’s second year of being an official Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sport. The girls flag football originally started out as a club sport, but has had considerable growth. The impact and progress of the team has led many people to join the sport, with some being entirely new to the world of flag football. Junior and first-year player Jenna Welsh has not only enjoyed the sport, but the team it has created. When asked about some strengths the team has, Welsh said, “Everyone is very friendly and helpful and tries their hardest.” All this hard work from the team results in the players making plays that they are proud of, like Sophomore Calla Hubbard. This is Hubbard’s first year playing on the team as well, and when asked what her personal highlight of the season is, she said, “Throwing a long touchdown to Danuiska [Lambert] against Grayslake North High School.”
The positive attitudes are a contagious amongst the team, through thick and thin. However, these positive attitudes don’t just come from the players, they come from their coach as well. Coach Elena Herman has been coaching the Varsity flag football team for two years, and was there when the club first started three years ago. Her growth mindset has helped the team and players throughout the season. When asked about what she thinks is important to coach these players in the game of flag football, Herman said, “I think the most important thing when coaching a team is not just focusing on the development of athletic ability. It is important to remember we are working toward developing successful, caring, and confident people as well.”
The Varsity girls flag football team ended the season making school history, winning the regional playoffs. The girls on the team have made a significant impact on Grayslake Central athletics, but also have impacted each other. Flag football will continue to be a sport at Grayslake Central, and it is highly encouraged, from both players and coaches, to join. “Join! We work hard but we enjoy the work we put in. Every practice we make sure to cover the fundamentals so even if you have never played before, you will pick it up quick!” said Coach Herman.
