Girls Flag Football Bouncing Back Strong

The Santa Barbara High School girls flag football team has had a season full of ups and downs, but one thing stays constant: their unwavering determination and spirit. Head Coach Travis Manach stated that the year has been a blast despite the challenging league filled with talented teams and competitors. 

So far, the team’s greatest strength has been its sense of uplifting community and support. “I’m proud of how players have really stuck through and lifted each other up even in difficult times,” said coach Manach, pointing out the group’s strong connection. This bond has helped the team shine in important moments, such as a comeback victory in Rio Mesa and an overtime win against Channel Islands High School.

Several students have stood out this season. Elina Stump has impressed with her speed, athleticism and leadership, acting as a great role model for the brand new JV team. Second-year player Shea Gannon has also shown some huge progress out on the field. Quarterback Layla Hernandez and running back Alexandra Arnold have also stepped up during a year that brought on new rules making life tougher for quarterbacks and running backs. 

Team Captain Elina Stump reflected on the season with pride, noting how the players have adjusted their aspirations and bounced back after a rocky start. She described the team’s ability to come together during key games, especially in their recent powerful performance against Buena High School in Ventura. For her, the season has not only been driven by competition but also by small moments in which the team showed their spirit such as early morning practices, pregame huddles, and their sense of community as the girls fight for each other. As a leader, Elina Stump focuses on keeping the team grounded and motivated during times of stress. “I try to make sure that everyone knows that if you make a mistake, it doesn’t take away from your own self-value and to play for your team and as a team instead of playing for yourself.” She is particularly proud of the defense, where starting freshmen Vanessa Esparza and Sophia Lopez are taking charge and dominating the field left and right. Looking ahead, her objective is to approach the rest of the season as a sort of clean slate, stacking a few more wins and hopefully making the playoffs. Above all this she wants her peers to remember that they are a part of something special, making history in the sports division.

Coach Manach says the preparation for the team has been about staying focused and disciplined while sharpening their skills. His goals for the remainder of the season are simple yet ambitious: compete hard and win the games the team knows they’re capable of winning. As girls flag football continues to grow both in the school and across the country, Coach Manach hopes for his players to walk away from the season thinking of more than wins and losses. He says flag football is about having fun, enjoying the newfound sport, and building strong bonds as a team.