How Liberty's flag football team shines on and off the field

Liberty's Jordan Pokrywka (11) and Taylor Tate (15) on the night of BVALs running the ball to the endzone in their championship match against Antioch High School. Photo by Jeff Weisinger, courtesy of The Brentwood Press

Third time flag football Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) champions take the spotlight as female leaders on the Liberty High School campus. As seniors grow into adults and sophomores grow into upperclassmen, the girls on Liberty’s flag football team are taking their experiences from the field and bringing them into their everyday lives. 

Lola Acosta, senior on the team, spoke on the fact that her sport has led her into greatness, saying that “it’s taught me confidence, discipline and how to handle challenges with a strong mindset.” She speaks through her teammates that the teachings of her sport have influenced her power and leadership. 

Power and leadership are synonymous with success, and the three time flag football BVAL champions have truly learned how to succeed. Whether it be the seniors on the team that often take on the roles that a captain might, or each position working in tandem to create plays that secure goals and wins for the team, proving their worth and success as women through their displays of skill and collaboration. 

Acosta found worth within her team, being able to lead one another into success through teamwork. “We celebrate our wins and lift each other up through our losses. No matter what, we remind each other that we’re capable of more than we think.”

Not only does it bring each girl a sense of strength and power, but being part of the beginning of such a strong team brings an even bigger air of pride to the girls of Liberty. Their third year as a team and third year earning the champion title at BVALs has expanded the aspirations of girls all across campus with goals of coming into their own power. 

“Being part of the first women’s flag football team at my school that's gone 3-0 in BVALs is incredibly important to me,” Acosta says, “we’re proving that women belong in every part of sports, and that our effort, skill, and teamwork deserve recognition.”

Acosta shares how she will carry her experiences with her off the field, stating that the abilities they have gained from this sport will stick with her for her life.

Off the field, each member of the team is able to use their skills gained throughout the season to improve the campus around them. Whether that is as club officers, in leadership, Link Crew, or even within their own personal friend groups, each team member is able to transfer the growth they received from this season and turn it into positive leadership skills in the world around them.