The Fiesta Bowl held a Youth Football Clinic at Desert Mountain High School this past weekend, showcasing girls and boys football/flag football players from all over the state.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Hamilton senior Catarina Maccagnano and Desert Ridge senior Brianna Jacobs each participated in the clinic and gave their thoughts afterward.
How Impactful the Event was
Not only was the event a way for these players to showcase what they’re capable of, but it was also a way for them to compete and do what they love with peers from different ages around the state.
“All these girls love the game just as much as we do and it’s cool to know that we’re not alone in this,” Maccagnano said
Maccagnano was named MVP of the event’s “Next Up Combine”.
“It’s very special to me (the event) because I know that I’m one of many pioneers out here trying to push this game on the younger generation,” Maccagnano emphasized. “We hope to see it in the Olympics and all around just make this sport bigger than what it is.”
Maccagnano became one of the few players in Arizona to sign with a college to play flag football. She officially signed with Flordia’s Warner University in early February.
The Future of Girl’s Flag Football
Girl’s Flag Football has grown significantly over the last year in both the state of Arizona and all over the country.
“It’s grown a lot (Girl’s Flag Football) and it makes me really happy because it gives women in general more chances to succeed,” Jacobs said.
The Desert Ridge wide receiver/safety had a productive final season with the Jaguars, totaling 60 receptions for 768 yards and eight touchdowns. She also added 48 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and three interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.
Seeing younger girls participate in the clinic was something that the older players loved to see.
“It’s just really nice to see girls looking up to us and trying to be like us, just trying to get better for themselves and for the generations behind them,” Jacobs added.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
