After a historical first flag football season, Gigi Ganje was made MVP and invited out to the Sofi Stadium to compete in the first ever Flag Football All Star game hosted by the Los Angeles Chargers.
This year’s girls flag football debuted as an official CIF sanctioned sport and highschools across California participated by creating their own teams. Here in Orange County, Aliso Niguel High School created their own team coached by Randi Baldwin, who is also Aliso’s varsity softball coach. Girls from a variety of sports including soccer, track and field, basketball, softball and more came to try out. The team was composed of a variety of grades including two seniors, Gigi Ganje and Josie Zamora.
Gigi Ganje, who was named team captain alongside Zamora, is a four year varsity athlete for softball and committed to University of Pennsylvania. This year she joined flag football for its first ever season at Aliso.
Ganje had an impressive season with an average of 57.4 receiving yards per game, a total of 28 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions on the season. With her help, Aliso went 19-5 in the season and 12-2 in league, making them the first ever South Coast League Champions for Flag Football. Ganje was named All-League MVP, earning her a spot in the LA vs OC All Star Flag Football Game.
Even though it was their first ever season, Ganje loved being a part of the team.
“This team really felt like a family. I loved going to practices, games and team events because the girls and coaches were so kind and supportive. Not only that, we had success as a team. I’ve honestly made some of my best friends and I will never forget this experience.”
On Nov. 27, Ganje, along with 60 other nominated players from the Orange County and Los Angeles area, headed to Sofi Stadium for Monday Night Football, with the Chargers playing against the Ravens.
Upon arrival, the girls were given a tour of the NFL stadium, and were able to meet other flag football players from around Southern California. They were also featured on national television during the NFL redzone, a great opportunity to promote their sport.
For the game itself, the girls were able to play on the NFL field with Ganje starting on the OC team. She scored a couple touchdowns and was a main contributor to her team’s win against LA.
When asked about the experience, Ganje recalled being super excited about the opportunity.
“I felt like it was a great opportunity to showcase our sport. I’m so glad that large organizations are promoting this female sport and supporting it through its first season. It was truly an honor to be invited and I’m very excited to see this sport grow.”
The event was a great opportunity to promote this new sport, which is set to become an Olympic sport in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. A national team training program is also occurring which will help prepare the team to take home the gold.
