This fall, a brand new sport has arrived at OH, and it is gaining popularity. Girls flag football, a newly sanctioned IHSA sport, is now an option for OH Panthers.
“I wanted to try something new,” said senior Aida Spahillari. “I’m excited it’s getting so popular.”
Student Services counselor Abigail Jambor and Kinetic Wellness teacher Chris Villafuerte are the head coaches of the team, but neither coach is new to this kind of role. Coach Jambor also is an assistant coach for the OH girls varsity soccer team. Coach Villafuerte is one of the assistant coaches for the OH varsity football team.
This year, the girls flag football team is considered a club, Jambor says “A lot of schools nearby have it as a sport, but since this is so new, the [Illinois High School Athletic Association] is still letting schools that are a club play games against those teams.”
There is plenty of excitement around the new sport, Jambor said. “The thrill that’s been happening in women’s sport all around has fed that energy and enthusiasm,” referencing the increased popularity in women’s professional basketball and soccer. She also explained how the “girls are pumped about it, and so is the community and state.”
Because the sport is new at the school, one might anticipate controversy arising about the predominantly male sport. Coach Villafuerte begs to differ and says that “It’s a step forward for women’s sports, and in the sport itself.”
Jambor has an opposing, yet positive, opinion about the concern, stating that yes, she believes that there are some growing pains associated with the team’s newness. “Currently, we are battling for field space, times, and promotion for [the sport],” as well as obtaining “equipment and paid coaches.”
She mentioned how the silence, or unawareness of the sport and representation for women is a fine line, but it is not generally discrimination. “We will see about some of those concerns, as well as parents’ concerns; like, you can play because it is too much of a risk of injury, but you wouldn’t say that to most guys.”
Overall, though, there is enthusiasm for the new opportunity. Jambor does not forget to share that “there are really good supporters that have helped this [sport] grow and looked to promote the sport.”
Regarding the players themselves, senior Aida Spahillari, a member of the team, also shared her excitement for the new sport.
She was very clear on how excited she was to see this new sport appear here in our community, stating that “It is an Olympic sport, as well as a college sport, and some programs nearby, two years ago that was not the same.”
Villafuerte also shared how important this team is to him. “I think that it’s going to be much bigger than a club in coming years, it’s nice to set up the groundwork for something that will be pretty big in the next few years.”
Academically, Coach Jambor said it could also be a “scholarship opportunity,” for players.
Jambor added that the OH girls flag football team has many events to look forward to, dozens of games, and a few scrimmages that will be occurring over the next few weeks.
Coaches Jambor and Villafuetre agree when it comes to the future of flag football, “we are pumped about giving those girls that experience.”
“ awesome to say you played on the first team ever,” said Spahillari.
Hello! I'm Lindsay Arand, a first year staff reporter and sports editor for the publication. I am a senior this year. At OHS I am apart of OATS, as well as track and girls soccer. I'm excited to collaborate and meet new people! You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
