Claire Alexander plays like a girl. And, she’s proud of it.
She is the only girl out of twelve boys on the flag football team and has proved to be a vital member. During the first game of the season, she could be seen sprinting down the field and pulling flags off of opposing players, not hesitating to get right in the mix with everyone else.
Though to most, the idea of playing a contact sport with teenage boys might sound more than a little intimidating, Claire wasn’t worried one bit when she signed up to be a part of the team.
“I knew there wouldn’t be any other girls,” Claire explained. “But, girls should be able to play sports and be viewed with the same ability as boys. A girl shouldn’t be reluctant to play a sport they’re interested in because it’s considered an ‘all boys sport.’”
When her dad, Buz Alexander, heard in the beginning of the year that there would be a co-ed flag football team, he imagined that the turn-out would consist of about half boys and half girls.
Even though it didn’t exactly turn out as expected, Buz says that being the only girl didn’t stop her for a moment.
Being involved in sports isn’t new for Claire. From surfing, skating, jiu jitsu, and basketball, Claire says that she has been active her whole life.
“I was never really inside the house while growing up because I was always outside doing something,” she explained.
When Claire played AYSO soccer, she was always a fierce defender, which has translated into her football skills, where she also plays in mainly defensive positions.
As for her highlights in the game, Claire prevented several of the other team’s players from scoring by pulling off their flags and overall played a strong defensive game.
“I love to see her race down the field,” Buz reminisced of Claire’s performance in the game. “She is fast and fearless…It was just great. She was having such a good time.”
Claire is looking forward to continuing the season and is excited to be a part of the girl’s soccer team in the winter.
“I would like to improve on having less self doubts because physical strength follows the mind and doubts don’t just affect someone on the field, but in life situations,” Claire concluded. “The team…helped me believe in myself. I couldn’t have asked for a better team. We had fun and enjoyed the first game we had, while at the same time… we took the ‘dub.’”
With only three games left in the football season, the team is thankful for the time they spent together. While every person on the team contributed to their success, the boys know it wouldn’t be complete without Claire.
“Claire has a real positive energy and, more than that, she’s a real defensive force on the field. She puts in the effort where it matters and it shows in our games,” said senior teammate Soham Kondle. “Claire’s a part of the team, there’s no denying that.”