{"id":46662,"date":"2025-05-13T11:54:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T11:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/46662\/"},"modified":"2025-05-13T11:54:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T11:54:13","slug":"cleveland-browns-girls-flag-football-coach-of-the-week-award-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/46662\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleveland Browns Girls’ Flag Football Coach of the Week Award winners"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the 2025 Girls High School Flag Football season, the Cleveland Browns<\/a> are proud to spotlight and support the leaders driving the growth of the sport across Northeast Ohio.<\/p>\n

As part of the team\u2019s inaugural\u00a0Coach of the Week\u00a0program, 10 outstanding high school coaches have been recognized for their leadership, sportsmanship, impact on their teams and commitment to advancing girls flag football in their communities. Each Coach of the Week honoree will receive a $1,000 grant to support their program.<\/p>\n

The Girls High School Flag Football program is presented by Gatorade and in association with Bridgestone.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Alex Perez: Creating a Flag Football Family at Cleveland Central Catholic
Week 1 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

For coach Alex Perez, flag football at Cleveland Central Catholic is more than a sport \u2014 it\u2019s a family. With four years of boys varsity football experience, two years leading girls flag football and six years coaching Special Olympics flag football, Perez has made a deep impact in just two years as head coach of the girls flag program. What began as a simple inquiry from interested students quickly grew into something more meaningful.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe girls at school showed interest in the sport and they came to me to see if we could start the program,\u201d Perez said. \u201cI have learned more coaching them as the head coach than I have coaching any other sport. It is like having a whole family I get to coach every week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perez\u2019s coaching philosophy revolves around more than just winning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe operate with [teamwork, sportsmanship, and character] as our only focus,\u201d he said. \u201cWinning and losing happens, but these three ideas are the primary focus of our program.\u201d<\/p>\n

That perspective shapes how he approaches both discipline and motivation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe handle most discipline as a team. We are only as strong as our weak spots,\u201d Perez said. \u201cI motivate them by having their back and showing up every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

His commitment extends far beyond the field \u2014 he often drives players to and from practice and even prepares meals each week.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do everything I can for my players,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Family engagement is another cornerstone of Perez\u2019s program.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want families at every game, I even let them ride the bus with us if necessary,\u201d he said. \u201cFamilies are the ones that make it possible for their kids to play.\u201d<\/p>\n

That inclusive spirit has helped establish a culture of accountability and pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a girl has played for me this season with an F,\u201d he pointed out, highlighting the team\u2019s academic discipline. \u201cWe have over half our roster with a 4.0 or higher GPA.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Perez, success is measured not just in wins, but in how his players grow on and off the field.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Perez hopes his players leave with more than just memories of the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want them to realize that being part of a community is good and that they can become better people through sports,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Through mental toughness developed in games and translated into the classroom, and through the strong sense of belonging he fosters, Perez is creating a legacy rooted in transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want these girls to leave better than I got them and the families to know we did a great thing,\u201d Perez said.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Becca Moore:\u00a0Building a Legacy Through Flag Football in Massillon
Week 2 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

In her first year as head coach of the Massillon Girls Flag Football team, Becca Moore is already making waves\u2014not just in the win-loss column, but also in the hearts and futures of the young athletes she leads. With years of coaching experience in cheerleading, track and field and adaptive sports, Moore brings a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to this new chapter of her coaching journey. But for Moore, the decision to step into the world of flag football wasn\u2019t just a career move\u2014it was a calling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have watched from the sidelines as my husband poured his heart into coaching boys\u2019 football,\u201d she shared. \u201cThat impact stirred something in me. I realized there weren\u2019t nearly enough spaces where girls were getting those same life-shaping experiences through a sport, especially football.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moore\u2019s coaching philosophy is built on more than just Xs and Os. She emphasizes leadership, discipline and character, teaching her players that \u201cflag football is more than just a game. It\u2019s a chance to learn how to lead under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and push beyond what you thought was possible.\u201d Her approach to coaching centers on empowering her athletes to become confident leaders on and off the field. From maintaining a strict practice dress code to reinforcing punctuality, Moore instills a culture of accountability and pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce expectations are clear and consistently enforced, discipline issues tend to disappear,\u201d she said. \u201cThe girls start to hold each other accountable, which is even more powerful than coach-led discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n

That culture extends to how Moore works with families as well. Using apps like Remind and encouraging face-to-face conversations, she builds strong, trusting relationships between coaches, players and parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen families are informed, included, and respected, it strengthens the connection between home and team,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Though it\u2019s their first year, the team has already started to find its place in the broader community, even being invited to participate in the Memorial Day Parade\u2014something Moore sees as a sign of the team\u2019s growing presence and importance. Ultimately, Moore\u2019s vision extends far beyond the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope our players walk away from this experience knowing they were part of something bigger than themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s supporting players through academic struggles or helping them gain visibility for college recruitment, she is committed to preparing her athletes for life. As both a coach and mother\u2014her daughter plays on the team, and her husband Nate Moore is head coach of the boys\u2019 team\u2014football is a family affair in the Moore household.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust imagine how competitive it is at our dinner table,\u201d she joked.<\/p>\n

But the impact of Moore\u2019s work is no joke at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want my legacy to be about building something lasting\u2014a culture where girls feel empowered, where inclusion matters, and where no one gets left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

In just one season, she\u2019s well on her way to doing exactly that.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Peyton McBride: Empowering the Next Generation at Westerville Central
Week 3 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

In just her first year coaching girls flag football at Westerville Central, Peyton McBride is already making an indelible impact\u2014not just on the field, but also in the lives of her players. A year-round coach who also serves as an assistant coach for volleyball and basketball and as the head coach for girls track and field, McBride was tapped for the new flag football program by the school\u2019s head football coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy athletic director figured since I coach all of the other sports, it would be an easy transition into coaching flag,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n

Though she had no prior experience with the sport, McBride embraced the challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith an open mind and a lot of support. [\u2026] We as a team have been able to do some tremendous things,\u201dMcBride said.<\/p>\n

Her approach to coaching is grounded in character, teamwork and shared accountability\u2014lessons she took from her five-year career playing Division I basketball at Ohio University.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are only as good as your teammate next to you,\u201d McBride emphasized. \u201cWe win together and also lose together.\u201d<\/p>\n

She instills in her athletes the importance of representing not just themselves, but also their families and school with pride and class, reinforcing that perception and character go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

But beyond wins and losses, McBride focuses on personal growth and empowerment. She beams with pride as she talks about the diverse achievements of her players: from a wheelchair-bound student who found success on the field, to another being recruited to play Division I flag football.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter who the individual is, they will be celebrated equally,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing a young multiethnic woman myself, I know how important it is to feel seen and heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding and nurturing each athlete\u2019s unique goals, a commitment that began with preseason conversations about expectations and discipline.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if they may not be friends in school, they all understand what it means to be a great teammate when it comes to flag,\u201d McBride said.<\/p>\n

For McBride, coaching extends beyond the field. As a teacher in the same building, she sees her athletes in both academic and athletic environments, allowing for a deeper connection. She also recognizes the critical role of families in supporting the team, establishing strong relationships with parents and building a community of trust and involvement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a group chat where all of the parents share pictures, volunteer to bring snacks, and even help carpool,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

McBride\u2019s legacy is still unfolding, but her hope is clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that in a few years, when this sport has grown and received the recognition it deserves, these young women remember the feeling of being the first,\u201d McBride shared.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Lisa Longino: Leading with Purpose at Shaw
Week 4 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

With more than two decades of coaching experience spanning volleyball, basketball, track, swimming, soccer and now flag football, coach Lisa Longino is no stranger to the transformative power of sports. Currently serving as the Physical Education Pedagogist Specialist and Lead Teacher of Athletics and Attendance for East Cleveland City Schools, Longino\u2019s career has always centered on nurturing the whole child\u2014physically, mentally and emotionally. Her motivation to coach flag football was driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw flag football as an opportunity to introduce a dynamic, fast-growing sport that builds confidence, teamwork and discipline in a non-contact, inclusive environment,\u201d Longino explained. \u201cThat inspiration has shaped my coaching journey by driving me to focus on character development as much as skill-building.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the heart of Longino\u2019s coaching philosophy lies a powerful belief in the value of teamwork, sportsmanship and character.<\/p>\n

\u201cI emphasize communication, trust and mutual respect, teaching athletes to uplift and rely on one another both in competition and in life,\u201d she said. \u201cCharacter is the foundation of everything I coach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether on the field or off, she prioritizes life lessons that stick, helping athletes become confident, resilient individuals. Her leadership model reflects restorative discipline and motivational mentorship.<\/p>\n

\u201cI motivate my players by building strong, trusting relationships and setting clear, meaningful goals. [\u2026] When discipline issues arise, I approach them with fairness, consistency and care,\u201d she said, emphasizing her focus on growth.<\/p>\n

Longino\u2019s commitment extends far beyond the sidelines. She actively engages in school and community initiatives, partnering with organizations such as Marathon Kids, GEN Youth and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to promote health and wellness. Her collaborations with Case Western Reserve University and local faith leaders highlight her holistic approach to student well-being.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt truly takes a village, and I\u2019m proud to be a part of that East Cleveland City School District village for every student-athlete I coach,\u201d Longino affirmed.<\/p>\n

In the end, Longino measures her success by the personal growth of her players.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope my players walk away not only as better student-athletes, but as stronger, more confident individuals,\u201d she said. \u201cI want them to know their voice matters, that they\u2019re capable of pushing through adversity.\u201d<\/p>\n

From empowering girls with disabilities to lead on and off the field, to advocating for quality physical education across Ohio, Longino is leaving a lasting legacy rooted in empowerment, equity, and excellence.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mission is to help all children realize their full potential and encourage them to aim higher\u2014not just in sports, but in education, wellness, and life as a whole,\u201d Longino said.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Ben Bruns: Building a Legacy of Love, Football, and Faith at Lutheran East
Week 5 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

In just two years as head coach of the Lutheran East girls flag football team, Ben Bruns has built a program rooted in passion, character and purpose. His journey into coaching was inspired by a lifelong love of the game, a drive to empower young women through sport and, personally, by the birth of his daughter in 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was offered to coach the new flag football team at Lutheran East in spring 2024, I said yes in large part because of my daughter,\u201d Bruns shared. \u201cI wanted to get involved with the sport so my daughter knows that she is able to play this great game I love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bruns\u2019 coaching philosophy is deeply grounded in values that transcend the football field\u2014teamwork, sportsmanship and character. He teaches his players that \u201cyour contributions are important, but they do not supersede that of the team,\u201d emphasizing humility and mutual respect. When it comes to sportsmanship, Bruns instills a sense of admiration for opponents\u2019 efforts, regardless of the outcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharacter is being reliable, being honest, being humble and exhibiting those traits in all that you do,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

Balancing competitive success with personal growth is a central tenet of Bruns\u2019 coaching approach. After a tough 1-7 inaugural season, the team\u2019s first playoff win\u2014against a team that had previously defeated them\u2014was a turning point.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt proved to them that they are talented and they are capable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

That resilience has carried into this season, where the team is again finding its footing. Discipline and motivation are handled with care and intention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI motivate players through positive reinforcement,\u201d Bruns noted. \u201cIt\u2019s great to have the girls on the team come up to me and say, \u2018Mr.\/Mrs. so and so said I had a great game.’\u201d<\/p>\n

Bruns also prioritizes connection with players, families and the broader community. Weekly emails, parent communication and cross-school events like the senior night scrimmage with Lutheran West foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. For Bruns, coaching is not just about football\u2014it\u2019s about shaping lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope players come away from this experience knowing that they are loved and valued and that they are capable of great things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind?<\/p>\n

\u201cLove, respect, and faith [\u2026] that Coach Bruns led his team with Christian principles of love, forgiveness and grace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Cooper Olajuwon: Shaping the Future of Flag Football at Edgewood
Week 6 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

In just his first season leading the Edgewood girls flag football team, coach Cooper Olajuwon has already helped craft something special. With a deep background in football, track and field and basketball, Olajuwon brings more than 14 years of coaching experience to this new venture. What drew him to flag football, however, was more than his resume; it was an opportunity to grow the game and give young women a meaningful chance to compete.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an ambassador of football, I was compelled to help in any way possible to grow this great game,\u201d he said. \u201cThe response from our girls when we surveyed them was astounding. They wanted this, and I was honored to help make it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olajuwon\u2019s coaching philosophy centers around three core values: teamwork, sportsmanship and character.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeamwork ignites the will to win and get better daily,\u201d he explained. \u201cSportsmanship is the name of the game. [\u2026] It\u2019s extremely important to me to win with class and lose with class.\u201d<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s character that he sees as the foundation.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharacter is who you really are when no one is watching,\u201d Olajuwon said. \u201cIt\u2019s what sustains you in critical moments.\u201d<\/p>\n

He emphasized these values consistently, not just in competition, but also in everyday interactions\u2014building players not only into athletes but also into strong individuals. Under Olajuwon\u2019s leadership, the Edgewood team was undefeated (8-0) in the regular season, with recent wins over strong programs. Yet, for him, success isn\u2019t only defined by the scoreboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing my athletes well enough to recognize their personal wins, how they\u2019ve grown from where they started, is just as important as the team\u2019s record,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

His approach to player motivation is rooted in joy.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur players are motivated by the experience as a whole, from the uniforms to the bus rides,\u201dhe said. \u201cThey love being around each other and they play hard every week.\u201d<\/p>\n

What Olajuwon hopes to leave behind is not a personal legacy, but a legacy for the sport itself.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy only hope is that flag football grows exponentially over the next decade and becomes a sanctioned high school sport,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to grow the game amongst Ashtabula County schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

For now, with his team thriving and players learning life lessons on the field\u2014like never being intimidated by flash or distractions\u2014he\u2019s making that vision a reality, one undefeated week at a time.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Myndi Allen: Inspiring Future Leaders at Perry
Week 7 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

Coach Myndi Allen has spent the last 17 years shaping young athletes, starting with youth football and gradually taking on more responsibilities, including becoming the head coach of Perry High School\u2019s girls flag football team. A passionate coach and advocate for the sport, Allen\u2019s journey began as the only girl playing football with the boys at recess. She found ways to stay involved in the sport, and over time, her commitment evolved into a love for mentoring others, especially young girls.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Coach Matt Rosati asked me to join him 5 years ago to put together a HS Girls Flag team, I was over the moon excited,\u201d Allen recalled.<\/p>\n

This moment marked the beginning of her legacy in the world of high school girls flag football. Allen\u2019s coaching philosophy is rooted in service, both to the players and to the broader community. She holds every member of her team to a high standard, emphasizing that no player is more important than another.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a team, we are to lift one another up, celebrate everyone\u2019s success, and show up, be reliable and committed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Her approach combines hard work, accountability and a focus on personal growth, even through adversity. She encourages her players to embrace mistakes as part of the process and to never give up. Her mentality not only fosters strong athletic skills but also builds resilience in life off the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as we don\u2019t quit, we don\u2019t lose,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

One of Allen\u2019s most rewarding experiences has been seeing her players grow into leaders. She\u2019s particularly proud of the opportunities that have come their way, such as the chance to play at the Canton Hall of Fame Stadium and attend an Under Armour Next Camp. These experiences not only highlight their athletic success but also inspire them to envision a future in college athletics.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese girls have realized the sky is the limit for their future,\u201d she said, reflecting on how the sport has opened doors for them.<\/p>\n

Beyond the field, Allen\u2019s work encourages her players to give back, as evidenced by the Flag Football Clinic her senior player organized for middle school girls, which helped introduce the game to a new generation. In all that she does, Allen\u2019s mission is to serve and inspire.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe my purpose in life is to serve others,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n

Allen\u2019s commitment to her community is reflected in her years of volunteer coaching and her service as Assistant Athletic Director. She leaves behind a legacy built on faith, family and football, making a profound impact on her players, the Perry High School community and the young girls who now dream of playing flag football. Through her efforts, she\u2019s shaping not just athletes, but also confident, resilient young women ready to face life\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that my legacy will be that I cared and loved everyone,\u201d Allen said.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Kanisha Coward: Building Confidence and Breaking Barriers at Maple Heights
Week 8 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

Coach Kanisha Coward\u2019s journey into flag football coaching was sparked by a single moment: attending the 2022 high school girls flag championship game. It was an eye-opening experience, as she realized that many of her own players weren\u2019t getting the opportunity to participate in a sport she loved. Motivated to create a platform for young girls in her community, Coward set out to establish a flag football program that would empower her athletes with new opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was determined to create a program for my girls, giving them the chance to try something new and expose them to a sport I love,\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n

This passion for flag football has not only transformed her coaching journey, but also impacted the lives of her players both on and off the field. Coward\u2019s coaching philosophy centers on teamwork, respect and character. She believes that building a cohesive team where everyone supports one another is crucial to success.<\/p>\n

\u201cSportsmanship is about respect. You have to have respect for your teammates, your coaches, your opponents and the game itself,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n

By setting high standards for her players, Coward helps them develop both athletic skills and personal integrity. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and the growth mindset, teaching her athletes to view setbacks as learning opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompetitive success and personal growth go hand in hand. I teach them to trust the process, and success will follow,\u201d Coward explained.<\/p>\n

In addition to focusing on athletic development, Coward understands the importance of fostering strong relationships with her players\u2019 families. She regularly communicates with parents and guardians to ensure that both the athletes and their families feel supported.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that when families are involved, the players feel supported not only on the field but in all aspects of their lives,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

This strong connection builds trust and creates a positive, cohesive team environment. Coward\u2019s commitment to her players extends beyond flag football, as she seeks to teach them life skills that will serve them in all areas of their lives. She strives to instill confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility in each of her athletes, ensuring they leave her program as better individuals.<\/p>\n

Coward\u2019s impact on her players is not limited to the field; it extends into their personal lives as well. One of her players, for instance, struggled with balancing schoolwork and practice, but through flag football, she learned to manage her time more effectively, resulting in improved grades and greater confidence. Coward believes that sports are powerful tools for teaching life lessons.<\/p>\n

\u201cSports are a great way to teach life lessons such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Through her advocacy for flag football, Coward hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment, showing young girls that they can excel both in sports and in life. She is committed to creating lasting change in her community, inspiring the next generation of athletes to break down barriers and believe in their potential.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Karen Battle: Cultivating Confidence and Character at Cleveland Heights
Week 9 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

Coach Karen Battle, with over 20 years of coaching experience across sports like volleyball, track and basketball, is now in her second year leading the girls flag football program at Cleveland Heights. After spending a decade coaching girls basketball, she embraced the opportunity to expand her reach and connect with a more diverse group of student-athletes.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoaching girls flag has allowed me to teach skill development to athletes for whom this is often their first sport,\u201d Battle said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a blessing to help them balance sports and academics while fostering new skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Battle, teamwork, sportsmanship and character are the foundations of a successful team. She emphasizes the importance of athletes supporting one another, especially in times of difficulty.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a teammate is feeling down, it is the expectation of others to ensure they feel supported,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Battle also works closely with her players, setting personalized goals to help each one develop both on the field and as individuals.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to tailor my coaching to the way each athlete learns best,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Battle strongly believes in the importance of family involvement and works diligently to build strong relationships with players\u2019 families.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout the support of parents, the program will struggle,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She makes it a priority to greet and engage with parents before or after games, offering feedback on their children\u2019s progress and areas for growth. This connection between home and the field creates a unified approach to supporting each player.<\/p>\n

Beyond the field, Battle recognizes the life lessons that sports, particularly flag football, can teach. She recalled an instance during a game when a quarterback supported a teammate who had made a mistake, showing resilience and teamwork.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lesson was clear: it\u2019s okay to trust others, even when they mess up,\u201d Battle said.<\/p>\n

She hopes her athletes take away a sense of self-belief and resilience that will serve them both on the field and in life. Through her dedication, she continues to inspire and empower her athletes to achieve their goals, both academically and athletically.<\/p>\n

\"Week<\/p>\n

Coach Heather O\u2019Neil: Coaching with Heart at Rhodes
Week 10 \u2013 Coach of the Week<\/p>\n

Heather O\u2019Neal has embarked on an inspiring coaching journey, making an undeniable impact at Rhodes High School in her first year as the head coach of the girls flag football team. With a background as the assistant coach for the girls basketball team, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her motivation for starting the flag football program came from the needs and desires of her athletes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first became aware of this program two years ago, to see the look on the ladies\u2019 faces, the excitement, the smiles, the chatter, I simply could not walk away,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n

With a passion for working with at-risk youth, O\u2019Neal also serves as a Linkage Coordinator for the CTAG program, helping young women set and achieve their academic and personal goals.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neal\u2019s approach to coaching emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship and character. She believes that \u201cteamwork is number one\u201d and instills a high standard of kindness and compassion within her athletes. Her players are taught to treat others how they would like to be treated, whether it\u2019s helping an opponent up or praising others during games. Through this mindset, O\u2019Neal fosters a positive team environment where growth, both on and off the field, is a priority. She also ensures her athletes are not only competitive but do so with respect and humility.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinning is great, but it\u2019s how you handle losing that makes you a winner,\u201d she emphasized.<\/p>\n

Building strong relationships with players\u2019 families is another crucial aspect of O\u2019Neal\u2019s coaching philosophy. She maintains open lines of communication with both athletes and their families, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This close connection enables O\u2019Neal to provide the best support for her players, both in athletics and personal development.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe parents and I help each other, maybe to figure out if something is going on, how to help the child,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n

Her goal is to show her athletes that they matter\u2014not just as athletes, but as individuals with goals, aspirations and the potential to succeed in all areas of life.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, O\u2019Neal hopes her athletes take away life lessons that extend far beyond the field. She stresses the importance of hard work, leadership and perseverance, while also encouraging them to dream big.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is scholarship money available to them if they work hard, stay on track academically and focus on their future,\u201d she said, underscoring the role that flag football can play in opening doors for educational opportunities.<\/p>\n

Her personal reward is watching her athletes grow, academically and athletically, and knowing that she has made a positive difference in their lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the day, I am here for them, as they have been here for me,\u201d O\u2019Neal reflected, reinforcing her commitment to her players\u2019 success on and off the field.<\/p>\n

Want to start a Girls Flag Football program at your school? Reach out to us at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a> to learn how to get started.<\/p>\n

The above story is from the Cleveland Browns<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"During the 2025 Girls High School Flag Football season, the Cleveland Browns are proud to spotlight and support…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":46663,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2054],"tags":[86,85,54,2337,7,10904,6791,6,13585],"class_list":{"0":"post-46662","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cleveland-browns","8":"tag-browns","9":"tag-cleveland","10":"tag-cleveland-browns","11":"tag-clevelandbrowns","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-girls-flag-coach-of-the-week","14":"tag-girls-flag-football","15":"tag-nfl","16":"tag-ohio-high-school-football"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/114500394516629862","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46662"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46662\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}