Focused and ready for the game to commence, running back and all-CIF Honors award winner Layla R. ’27 reacts quickly to the snap of the football. While the hot, September heat weighs heavy on the Westridge Flag Football team, the pressure on making CIF playoffs grows even more. After advancing to playoffs the previous year, the team hopes to do the same this year. Most importantly, they knew the opening game would set the tone for the rest of the season.

However, though the Tigers fought as hard as they could, they suffered a heavy loss of 40-0 to Sierra Vista High School. The defeated game raised questions about their success for the rest of the season.  

But then, the Tigers roared back against Culver City High School in a dominant 24-0 victory. More wins followed in the next game, and the next. Westridge Flag Football has been the buzz of conversations this athletics season, having one of, if not the best winning streaks so far despite losing their opening game. Currently, the team has a 9-4-0 win-lose-tie ratio. 

Their winning streak, even after the loss in their opening game, is a tribute to their physical and mental fortitude. Despite a large number of the team being underclassmen, one of the Tigers’ greatest strengths is ensuring a strong sense of community and belonging. For Freshman Nylee B., who is playing flag football for the first time, the team camaraderie allowed a smoother process to adjust to the new sport. “I get positive feedback [from my teammates] and we’re all a community,” she said. “It’s not like [someone] is going to be mad or something when I screw up, so I’m a lot more confident and it’s improved my skills.”

Since July, the team practiced and played a large portion of their season prior to the school year. Out of 19 games, the team played six games during the summer, allowing plenty of time for the Tigers to bond with each other. “Over the summer I was learning concepts and how to play, and I had a lot of help and a lot of feedback,” said Nylee. 

Coach Brett Washington, the new assistant coach for flag football, recognized the value of the close-knit team. “I see the girls becoming better friends every single week, and it’s actually really fun to see. I’m seeing the freshmen sort of band together, and I’m seeing senior leadership really show its face as well,” he said.

While bridging the divide between Upper and Lowerclassmen can be challenging for athletic teams, captain and defensive powerhouse Clara T. ’27  intends to eliminate this division. “We have a little unconventional team dynamic because it doesn’t go in terms of seniority. We’re making sure that it’s not a hierarchy and making sure that everyone feels included and supported in this environment,” she said. 

The team’s ability to adapt compliments well with their camaraderie. Since flag football has only just made its entrance into CIF, there have been some inconsistencies in terms of officiating the game. Although Coach Dan Calmeyer, Upper School Math and Computer Science Teacher and Head Coach of flag football, was recently given a hardcopy of the official CIF rules, there have been conflicts with the team’s plays violating CIF regulations. Coach Calmeyer admired the athletes’ ability to adjust to new and often sudden changes during games.“It’s really a testament to the girls on the team, who are being very flexible and understanding,” he said. “Sometimes it’s going to be frustrating because we practiced one thing and then we have to adjust to the [new rules].”

Coach Calmeyer, who previously coached Westridge soccer, also dealt with “growing pains” while trying to figure out the rules, the drills, and how to create a cohesive team. Assistant Coach and Campus Safety Staff Marcus Randolph and Coach Brett provided valuable insights to the game, as both have significant experience playing tackle football in high school and college. 

The team’s ability to adapt shines brightest during their darkest moments — the first game of the season is one of them, but another was during their White-Out Spirit Game on September 2 against San Marino High School. Despite the 5-game winning streak they had before, the game ended in a loss of 31-6. Both coaches and team members consoled and encouraged each other not to give up. “I like to encourage [my teammates] a lot, because a large part of learning this game is feeling good about what you’re learning,” said Layla. “A lot of encouragement towards the newer and younger players is helpful. We are making sure we’re role models as well.”

The team reviews defeated games like these by watching video recordings and doing drills that address problem areas. “We have a long talk about what happened and where to go after that, which helps us get together to discuss how we could work better as a team,” Layla said.

After the Tigers shook off the dust, they rebuilt their reputation and won their next game 19-0 against Ramona Convent. “Seeing that growth immediately is a proud moment of seeking the work that the coaching staff put in, but it’s mostly the athletes. It’s about reacting to things, trying new things, and being willing to learn and be coached and get better and they got the win as a result,” said Coach Calmeyer.

Despite having little to no experience with flag football, new players have been putting their all into every play while seasoned players push them to do their best. “I feel like we’ve just been playing our game. And for me, as long as my receivers are putting in effort and my offense is putting in effort, I don’t have to adjust. My job isn’t easy, but it’s mostly my team doing the hard work,” said team quarterback Abby W. ’27. 

Even though it’s only the first half of the season, Westridge can confidently project that flag football will have a great season this year. The team’s adaptability, camaraderie, and harmonizing blend of individuality and teamwork have been instrumental to their wins and their ability to learn from losses. “[My dad] always taught me to lift … other[s] up, and the best way to play is to play as a team,” said Clara. “I know a lot of people are trying this out for the first time, and we’re still learning. I’m just making sure that everyone feels supported and that it’s a positive environment no matter what.”