The number of girls on the flag football team has doubled since last year – to two. Here at OVS, more girls are participating in the male-dominated sport of football and changing the idea of coeducational sports for the school community.
Joining veteran Claire Alexander on the field for her second season, freshman Genesis Langdell is a new addition to the OVS flag football team this season. But both of them have an extensive history in sports.
For Genesis, this isn’t her first time playing flag football or being involved with co-ed sports. In addition to playing volleyball, soccer, and basketball, she played football in her early elementary years. With only a few practices under her belt, Genesis already loves the team and is ready for the upcoming season.
“Being with the team is definitely what motivates me,” explained Genesis. “Everyone on the team has been so nice and super supportive.”
Coming to OVS her junior year, Claire has been a great addition to the sports program. A strong attribute to the girl’s soccer team last year as well as being the only girl on the baseball team, she returns as a senior for one last football season. Welcoming Genesis with open arms, Claire is thrilled to have another girl in football this year.
“I love [having another girl on the team]! I see myself in [her] too. And I guess since we are all girls, we support and push each other to do good,” Claire said. “We make sure [she] feels like [she is] a part of the team and another important player.”
For these athletes, the social norm does not get in the way of what they love doing. Claire and Genesis are very passionate about playing sports with another gender.
“I enjoy playing with the opposite gender,” Genesis said. “It gives you an opening as to seeing more of the sport.”
As a senior, this is Claire’s last football season. She is excited to see her influence on co-ed sports and have more mixed-gender teams in the future at OVS.
“I am a senior. I’d want to leave hopefully making an impact on players that will be playing in the future. I want to be an inspiration for others,” said Claire.
The team will showcase their skills in their second game of the season on September 20th against Pilgrim School.
“Because you’re female, there’s going to be a little judgment,” concluded Genesis. “I don’t care what people think of me, I do whatever I want because I want to show people what females can do too. We have the same abilities as men.”