Written by Miles Watts, Editor in Chief
As a group these girls accomplished something that few athletes are able to, and their success was celebrated with a wholly unique award.
On Thursday, February 19th, the varsity girls flag football team received a prize unlike any other; since Poly’s founding, they are the 32nd group to receive the all southern section team award at the CIF championships in the fourth division. For such a rare and exciting accomplishment, the whole team, Mr. Hansen, their coaches, and Mr. Vaughan each received a custom-made ring to honor their victory.
A small ceremony was held in the conference room during lunch A, and the teammates filed in while Mr. Hansen set up a large table for them. While he laid out the ring boxes, all the girls signed two different team pictures to later be framed. Balloons were tied to desks and posters honoring their accomplishments adorned the walls, and the excitement was almost palpable in the air. Once preparations were made, Mr. Hansen asked the girls to find the seat that had their ring for them and the ceremony began.
As aforementioned, these rings are incredibly special as very few athletes receive them; it is so difficult to comprehend that Mr. Hansen has only ever earned one himself in all his years as an athlete. He explains that it is tradition for the ring boxes to be opened all together and that those who are absent will have their own ceremony. Out of all the rings he has received, the one he earned as an athlete is the most special to him. “This [ring] will be your special one, and hopefully it’s your first” Mr. Hansen expresses. He then requests them to slide the case off the ring box but not to open it yet, and the boxes whose owner is absent were picked up. He then reassures them that anything inaccurate or wrong about the ring can be fixed and to not let any blemishes ruin the moment for them. Finally, all the boxes are opened and smiles immediately spring onto all present. The joy the team felt was infectious as they saw the expert detailing and craftsmanship that went into each ring. All of their struggles, triumphs, laughs, and cries are all represented in that one small gift, as “through every win and loss [they] were there by each other’s side to build [each other] up”. This was said by Saydee Salcedo (12) who clearly, along with her teammates, hold so much pride and love for the sport and their peers.
After some time, head coach Mr. Meech spoke up to hand out the all CIF southern section team award that a few players earned. These were Saniya Brewer (11), Ashlynn Gillman (10), and Brooklyn Snider (12), and Snider was also given the division four athlete of the year. They then switched into a team shirt they received from the CIF championships and went to take pictures by their roster banner. Their smiles clearly show the accomplishment and pride they feel for their dedication. The memories they made during the season will stick with them and will continue to as long as they keep their ring. However, none of this would have been possible if not for their talented and passionate coaches. Mr. Meech had joined because Mr. Hansen had personally asked him to do so, and there is no doubt that he feels he made the right choice coaching the team. Coach Lexi, Nico, and Carp and Megan Lopez also were major contributors to their success, which is clear to see as Snider feels that they and Mr. Meech have done a “great job at holding [the team] accountable which gave them the best possible chance at success”. The respect the girls hold for them is quite clear, and they have forever made a positive impact on their lives through their kind yet purposeful instruction.
Although many from the team will be graduating, the group’s success and growth will not be stifled. The 2025-2026 varsity girls flag football team has made Poly history and have now become a part of a legacy that will be remembered decades from now. With their current success despite their recent inauguration, flag football has cemented itself as a sport to be reckoned with. Once the next season starts, it will only be a short while before another game is won by this outstanding team.