This summer, Woodward Academy launched its first-ever girls’ Flag Football team led by Woodward Alum Coach Terry Myrick ’17. With the sport’s increasing popularity over the past few years, many girls were interested in trying out when it was first announced in early 2025. Now, the Varsity team of 22 young women are finishing their Inaugural Season in the playoffs.
The team played its first official game on Oct. 2, 2025, against Lakeside High School. They went 4-0 against Northview, Tri-Cities and Chamblee until their first loss against Sequoyah on Oct. 8, 2025. Following a rough patch and the resulting low morale and high fatigue, the team picked themselves and their spirits back up in order to win against Mount Vernon and Arabia Mountain. They went into the playoffs on Dec. 4 ranked 3rd in the region with a 5-2 regional record. Although the playoff game against Blessed Trinity did not go in their favor, the season still marks a successful debut for flag football at Woodward.
When asked what it meant to be part of the school’s first-ever Flag Football team, Captain Ryan Henderson ’27 shared.
“It means a lot to me, especially being a captain,” Ryan said. “It makes me feel like you can really do whatever you put your mind to. This is the first team ever, and now we’re about to go to the playoffs. Being able to make it that far in our first year means a lot.”
Assistant Coach Korey Hernandaz came up with the idea to create the “Lady Eagle of the Week” to highlight a girl who had a great week. Most recently, Kelsey Drayton ’27 was awarded the title for the second time this season after two outstanding games against Alcovy and Eastside High School.
Ryan also shared what it has felt like to help pave the way for future players.
“It feels good to know that my actions and my teammates’ actions have paved the way for a lot of girls who might think they can’t do this or can’t try something new,” Ryan said. “Being new at something doesn’t mean you’re going to be bad at it—it just means you have things to learn.”
In addition to the advice she gave future players, she also emphasized the importance of patience. Reflecting on the lessons she’s learned this season, Ryan added,
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be patient,” Ryan said. “None of us had played this sport before, and it’s okay to mess up. Accepting mistakes—your own and your teammates’—is what makes a really good team.”
Flag football has become so popular that the NFL plans to launch professional men’s and women’s leagues in the coming years to support the 2028 LA Olympics.
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The author of this story also serves as a member of the Flag Football Media Team.
