In a season marked by determination and teamwork, the San Juan Hills High School Flag Football Team has achieved its primary goal of winning the league. With a 8-0 record, the team not only emerged as undefeated league champions but also secured a spot as the 32nd ranked team among all schools in California.
From the get-go, the team’s singular focus was on winning the league. Each game was viewed as a crucial stepping stone towards this ultimate objective. The players approached every match with a clear sense of purpose, understanding that their collective effort was essential to achieving their goal. This mindset aided their performance on the field, where they displayed skill, coordination, and determination.
“It feels unreal, I went into this season obviously wanting to win league, but winning league and additionally going undefeated is truly insane,” said senior Ava Laudorn.
A key factor in their success was the strong bond and chemistry within the team. Recognizing that the rigors of a long season can be draining, the team made a concerted effort to keep the experience enjoyable. They engaged in various fun activities together, both on and off the field, which helped maintain their enthusiasm and focus. This balance of enjoyment and commitment was instrumental in their achievement.
“I think by having each other close allowed us to work better together. From practicing everyday after school and having friendships outside the sport,” said junior Gwyneth Lyon.
The coaching staff played a pivotal role in fostering this positive team environment. Head coach Chad Hogancamp was nominated and elected as the high school week 7 ‘coach of the week’ for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers teamed up with the NFL to host a high school coach recognition program. The program recognizes coaches who have made an impact on the lives of their players through their dedication and guidance. Not only are they recognized, but each winning coach receives a thousand dollars to go to their schools’ athletics department.
“He started coaching when I started playing my freshman year, and has built this program for future athletes since the very beginning. I’m glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves because he’s worked so hard for each and every one of us,” said senior captain Sydney Hogancamp.
Coach Hogancamp will be honored on Dec.15 during the LA Chargers game for his dedication to his team’s excellence this season. With his dedication to his program in just his second year, he brought his team to clinching the first girls flag football league championship title in school history.
The coaching staff emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, instilling these values in the team. Regular practice sessions were structured to be challenging yet enjoyable, keeping the players on their toes and motivated.
“When we started the season, I set the goals and expectations with the varsity team. The number one goal for our coaches was to put the players in positions for them to succeed. As a team I know we are proud that we achieved our goal by finishing 8-0 and becoming Sea View League Champions,” said Chad Hogancamp.
As the season progressed, the team’s unity and camaraderie only grew stronger. They celebrated each other’s successes, provided encouragement during challenging times, and worked together to overcome obstacles. The positivity helped to reduce stress and build confidence, enabling the players to perform at their best.
Looking ahead, the future of the San Juan Hills High School Flag Football program appears promising. Despite losing four seniors, the team remains young and talented. As the sport continues to grow and the players develop, the program is poised for even greater success in the coming years. The foundation laid by this season’s undefeated champions sets a high standard for future teams to build upon.
“It’s always been about composure. We set a goal and achieved it without getting too cocky or mental. I’m excited to see how this team develops because this sport is growing quicker than ever,” said Sydney Hogancamp
However, the team isn’t quite done yet. The girls flag football playoffs pairings are released this Saturday. The highly ranked stallions start their competitive journey next Tuesday Oct.22.
Follow their instagram to see the latest updates @sjhhsflagfootball
