For the first time in Aliso Niguel history, a girls flag football team has been established and they are ready to bring their A-game in their inaugural 2023 season. The ladies are excited to dominate in this new CIF sport.
The girls currently hold a score of 5-1 this season. As a new sport, the girls have had to quickly learn and implement both offensive and defensive formations, all while grasping the fundamentals of 7 on 7 flag football.
The team is led by Head Coach Randie Baldwin. Coach Baldwin is also the head girls softball coach on campus. Coach Baldwin is assisted by Ms. Dodge, Ms. Lusar and Ms. Sepe. These teachers/coaches are quickly learning this new sport and offering encouragement to the girls, while doing a fantastic job at keeping the team motivated.
When asked why she wanted to coach the flag football team, Coach Baldwin replied, “I am head softball coach here and when I heard flag football was going to be a CIF sport, I really wanted to be a part of it and help develop our athletes on and off the field. I love coaching and teaching at Aliso and enjoy working with our student athletes, so I really wanted to be a part of this process with a lot of my softball players and a lot of other talented athletes here at Aliso! These girls are making history.”
The team’s athleticism has carried them so far. Many of the athletes are varsity athletes on other teams here at Aliso. Quarterback Josie Zamora (12) and leading reciever Gigi Ganje (12) are four-year varsity softball players. The team also has soccer and track athletes.
Captain Josie Zamora says, “In my opinion, the season is going amazing. So far we have only had 12 practices with each other, and so far we are undefeated. I am having a great time just enjoying this as my secondary sport, while still taking it seriously. The bond with the girls is amazing and we all are having a great time as a team.”
This season, their ongoing goal is to get better everyday and keep building the program for many years to come.
Their season will last until October, giving the girls plenty of time to improve their skills, have fun with their friends and undergo an incredible season.
