Palatine High School has made history by launching its first-ever girls’ flag football team this fall, marking a significant milestone in the school’s athletic program.
“I think it’s potentially something that could be really, really big.” Head coach Michael Hernon said. “I think it could grow to become a really big sport in time.”
With 28 years of experience in coaching boys football, Hernon was drawn to the challenge of starting a new program, and sees immense potential for the sports growth. His role has been influential in bringing the team to life in such a short amount of time.
“I’d love to grow the program, right now, you can only have two levels,” Hernon said. “I’m hoping that they can allow an environment where you can have more than two levels in the future.”
The ambitions for the girls’ flag football team extend beyond just its first season. The desire to expand reflects both the growing interest in the sport and the potential it holds for even more students. Currently, the limitation is to just two levels, varsity and junior varsity, with just 25 players on each team. This means that only a select number of players can participate.
However, Coach Hernon sees a future where more teams could be made, providing opportunities for a range of skill levels and encouraging even greater participation.
“It’s so awesome to be part of something new here with other girls who love the game,” Sophomore JV player Ella Mazzocchi said. “We’re all making history together, and I can’t wait to see how far we can go.”
Mazzocchi’s enthusiasm about being a part of the first-ever girls’ flag football team at Palatine High School reflects the team’s determination together as they step out onto the field for the first time, with the rest of the school cheering them on.
The team’s first game of the season against Fremd High School ended in a devastating 45-0 loss on Sept 3. Although this loss may have shaken them, the girls’ flag football team will not let this stop them from their goal of having a great first season, aiming toward winning the state championship.
