Bay Shore girls’ flag football team secured its first victory earlier this season, turning a dream into reality and setting a new standard for the program. The girls’ flag football team made history with this win, defeating Huntington with a final score of 20-6. With the support of the coaches, each other and many family members, the girls were able to go from a zero win season last year to achieving four total wins this past year.
Flag football team origin and team dynamic
Two years ago, girls’ flag football wasn’t even a sport at the high school. What started as a brand new team full of excitement and nerves has turned into something truly special. Flag football was growing all across New York State, and it’s giving girls the chance to compete, grow as athletes, and be a part of something big. Families come in many different ways, but the one the girls build amongst the team is truly special. It emphasizes the trust, support, and drive to want to win. Even through the losses the team has faced over the years, the girls continued to show up to every practice with a positive attitude.
“I never thought we couldn’t win. The team was very supportive and we have each other,” senior Yeniah Sykes said.
Throughout the season, the coaches hosted team dinners where the girls got together after school to share a meal. These dinners gave them a chance to bond outside of practice. Spending time together off the field helped the team build stronger bonds, which carried over into dynamics working together on the field. These moments created a true sense of unity and friendship, making the girls more than just teammates, but a family.
More than coaches: the heart behind the team
This year’s coaches were Andrew Nevit, Christopher Koepplin, and Nicholas A DeMartino. These coaches brought years of experience to the field, which played a big role during the tryout process. Each coach wasn’t just focused on athletic ability, they looked for players with positive attitudes, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to be coached. Good decision making and basic football skills were key qualities they valued. The ultimate goal was to build a team that worked well together, supported one another, and showed potential both on and off the field. Thanks to tremendous amounts of experience and leadership, a team rooted in effort, growth, and true team spirit formed.
The head coach, Andrew Nevit, explained how winning wasn’t always the main goal for him as a coach. Though Coach Nevit’s competitiveness never left, the girl’s developing life skills on the team that can be carried on was essential.
“As a coach it is not necessarily about wins and losses but developing people, creating impact on members of the community when they leave Bay Shore, believing in themselves, dealing with life, attacking life after graduation,” Nevit said. “We understood that wins take time. The girls did a great job in staying together despite losses and that helped us as coaches stay motivated.”
Throughout the season, Coach DeMartino, focused on the girl’s were developing into the best flag football player and person each can be with the guidance of himself and the other coaches.
“I enjoy seeing how players develop over the season,” DeMartino said.
Coach Koepplin saw a shift with the girls as their hard work was starting to pay off through the wins accumulated. The goals with the coaches, captains, and the girls elevated, to where the individual performance of the team members really mattered and showed on the field during game day.
“Expectations within the girls changed. There was excitement about each opportunity because we had high expectations of ourselves, which put pressure on us to perform but that is also why it’s fun to compete,” said Koepplin.“So us coaches tell the girls you’re competing with yourself to see how good you can become but also competing against the position.”
Now guiding the way, meet the team captains and players
This season’s team was led by four dedicated captains who played a big role in the team’s growth and success: Khaleis London, Jayda Ramos, Olivia McDermott, and Victory Hodges. As the season progressed, they learned more about the game, their positions, and how to lead. By showing up to practices consistently, giving their full effort, and setting an example for the team. Most importantly, the captains always supported teammates by cheering during games, giving advice, and helping build a strong, positive team atmosphere.
Luna Guillermo, a freshman who joined the team this year, found the tryout process both challenging and rewarding. Becoming part of the team’s first victories gave Luna a deep sense of accomplishment and belonging. Over the season, Luna grew more confident, developing stronger social connections. To anyone considering trying out next year, Luna advises embracing the experience and enjoying every moment.
“The first wins throughout the whole season became something everyone could look back on,” Guillermo said.
Senior Yeniah Sykes balanced playing safety, quarterback, and wide receiver during her second year on the team. All while navigating through the first varsity sport Yeniah has been a part of. The experience taught valuable time management skills, introduction to diverse teammates, and helped her stay more active. Even when the team’s scores were low, team celebrations during games are key moments that really stood out to Yeniah, being a reminder that support mattered more than any scoreboard. There were moments of doubt about whether the team would pull off a win, but the unwavering encouragement of her teammates kept her motivated and grateful to be part of the team.
“Don’t hesitate, even if you’re new to the sport. It is a great opportunity to build self-confidence. By essentially throwing yourself into the situation,” Yeniah said.
Ultimately, the 2024-2025 Bay Shore Girls flag football team delivered a remarkable performance, securing numerous victories. The team looks forward to more achievements in the years to come.
