This fall, Pinewood has created an inaugural girls flag football team, adding to the national rise of a popular, but relatively new high school sport.

   Even though most players on the team are new to the sport, the leadership of Head Coach Brandon Chow and Assistant Coach Whitney Wood has helped the team thrive with a 3-0 record. They began the season with a 41-0 win against Castelleja’s JV team and recently pulled out a last minute 18-12 win against their Varsity team as well.

   Athletic Director Matt Stimson is excited for the potential of the team and welcomed the new addition to Pinewood’s athletic program with enthusiasm.

   “It’s great seeing our girls … try something new like flag football,” Stimson said.

   The different levels of experience don’t diminish but rather enhance the team’s camaraderie. Everyone is constantly learning new skills and going through trial and error, allowing the players to not only grow as individuals, but collectively as a team through high and lows.

   A new student at Pinewood, freshman Sophia Bowles took the opportunity to join the flag football team. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks, and encourages everyone to put themselves out there and get involved.

   “Going to a new school made me want to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, which is why I went out to play [flag football],” Bowles said.

   Yong Kim, the 8-man football Head Coach at Pinewood, was impressed with the competitive skill level of a new team with new players.

   “Seeing players who have played different sports branch out but also show the same athleticism is pretty amazing,” Kim said.

   With continued participation and support, the Pinewood flag football team looks to continue building off of a successful opening season.

   “It’s a goal to keep it going and get more girls to join,” Stimson said. “We wouldn’t have started it if we knew we couldn’t sustain it.”

   With a few more games coming up, the team is aspiring to make this inaugural season one to remember. However, Bowles not only has goals for the team, but the sport in its entirety.

   “Hopefully, girls flag football continues to grow more than it already has,” Bowles said. “That way everyone can experience the excitement and joy that this sport brings.”