The fall sports season is officially underway and the girls flag football team is gearing up to defend their title as CIF champions. 

With flag football being approved as a CIF-sanctioned sport just last season, the program is still undergoing changes.

“Something new for our flag football program this year is a junior varsity team,” head coach Shawn Alikian said. “All teams in the Coastal Canyon League are fielding JV teams, [meaning] we are able to carry more players and allow more athletes to get a chance to play.”

This year’s players aim to focus on creating a positive team environment for everybody. 

“As a team, we aspire to have a good dynamic on the field and work well together,” JV player Emma Baskin said. “I love how our team is so kind and motivating toward each other and how we all support each other.”

With several players graduating last year, doors have opened for new players to join the program. 

“Every year brings a host of challenges,” Alikian said. “We graduated seven seniors last year, and all were starters. With those challenges come great opportunities, such as adding many new seniors, juniors and sophomores that did not come out last year.”

Varsity player Olivia Finn highlighted the importance of team bonding and why it is beneficial on the field. 

“The bond the team has off of the field makes it easy to communicate on the field,” Finn said. “Last year we learned so much and this year we are working on perfecting those skills.”

The head coach outlined some of the team’s long-term goals as the girls work their way through this season’s competition.

“Our goals are always the same, win every game, win league and play our hearts out in the playoffs,” Alikian said. “That last part is unique this year, as it is the first year flag football will have playoffs. We are keeping our fingers crossed.”

The team’s first league game will be held on Aug. 22 at Oak Park High School’s football field against Camarillo High School. Come and show your support for this year’s team.