2024 Flag Football Captains
Get to know more about Robinson Flag's captains with these Q&As.
VARSITY
HEAD CAPTAIN: Haidyn Spano
POSITION: Quarterback, Cornerback
YEARS ON TEAM: 4
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I was at a volleyball conditioning practice and Coach Saunders came up to me and asked if I wanted to try out Robinson Flag Football. I remember hearing about it and decided to give it a try. Little did I know I was going to find amazing friendships, opportunities, and a million memories made. Joining flag was one of the best decisions I could’ve made for my high school career.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory would be our trip to Oregon for the 2023 Nike Kickoff Classic. We played a 40 minute game against Alonso. That was my first Varsity game as starting QB as a sophomore, and it was on TV! I was incredibly nervous, but with the help of my teammates and coaches we pulled it together with a 12-6 win! Although I’m overly competitive and love the intensity of the game, off the field was where the best memories are made. On that trip I got to travel across the country with all of my friends and have the time of my life! My favorite moment in that trip was when a little girl and her dad came over to ask us about flag football and that’s when I knew how important what we were doing was in representing the young girls in the world, showing them that they can achieve anything they work hard enough at!
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag football, especially at Robinson, is unique because of #theway we do things. Being a part of Robinson Flag is an honor as it pushes you to be better both on and off the field. This program has created an environment filled with great culture, support, and people that have yours and the team’s best interest at heart. You will never find another program like Robinson Flag!
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: Do it! There is nothing else like it and you’d be missing out on all the opportunities and people it presents if you don’t. Reaching out of your comfort zone is the best possible thing you can do for yourself! Who knows? First, you decide to join… next thing you know, it’s your obsession!
CAPTAIN: Ava Godfrey
POSITION: Wide Receiver, Cornerback
YEARS ON TEAM: 4
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I chose to join Robinson Flag because one of my basketball friends played and they told me it would be a fun experience. I was very skeptical of first but it has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory on the field was the 2024 state championship game when Manasvi took the final snap after tearing her ACL. It solidified our spot as the top team in the state a was our 9th state championship in a row. My favorite flag memory off the field is most definitely all the friends I’ve made along the way. The team just has a special bond and I wouldn’t give that up for anything.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Robinson Flag is unique from other sports because of our dedication. We practice all year round which not a lot of other sports do and we practice with a purpose. We strive to get better everyday and push ourselves to be the best players on and off the field.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: My advice to a new person unsure of they want to play flag is to at least come to a few practices. I was very skeptical when I first started but I came to a few practices and decided it was for me. The environment is amazing and you’ll make a lot of great friends. Don’t not come just because you are scared you won’t be good, everyone starts that way and with time and practice you will get more comfortable.
CAPTAIN: Paige Halverson
POSITION: Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Quarterback
YEARS ON TEAM: 3
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson flag?
A: I chose to join Robinson flag because I played flag football in middle school and found it to be my true passion. I heard about Robinson flag from both my brother and friends that went to robinson, and soon found myself wanting to be a part of the team and it was a huge reason that I decided to come to Robinson. I am so glad I am apart of this program and have made so many lifelong friendships.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory would probably be the Detroit trip for the Bucs vs Lions game. This was such an amazing experience and to do it with my favorite people made it even more memorable. It was so inspiring to listen to the words of Diana Flores, and it really inspired me to potentially pursue a career in sports in the future. It really was amazing to be recognized for our talents and hard work both on and off the field and I loved being able to represent flag football to people across the country. It was truly a once and a lifetime experience and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of it.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag is different from other sports at Robinson because of the community we have with each other. Through flag, people, myself included, have made friendships that will last throughout the duration of my life. The way we push ourselves and strive for excellence on and off the field is different from other teams and we hold ourselves to higher expectations. Everyone is supportive of one another and we always push each other to be the best people we can be.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: The advice I would give to someone new would be to just try it!! You never know what can happen when you just try something. It only takes coming out to a few practices to truly develop a passion for something and flag is truly one of those things. Even though it is a little intimidating to come out, everyone is very encouraging and there is no need to worry about anything.
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CAPTAIN: Jasmyn Mitchner
POSITION: Rusher, Running Back, Wide Receiver
YEARS ON TEAM: 3
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson flag?
A: I decided to join Robinson Flag because it was a sport I had never tried before and I thought it could be a fun new challenge. Coach color had told me I should try out and introduced me to Coach Saunders earlier because I said I was interested. I thought it could be a fun little thing to do in the side. I didn’t realize how much it would impact my life and my entire high school experience.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: On the field I would say my favorite flag memory would be when we played Lennard my sophomore year. We were on offense. Haidyn dumped the ball to me after a little scramble and I made a 15-yard touchdown. Then we got the extra point. The best part was the first play on defense. Tammy and I rushed with 2 on the quarterback. Tammy put her hands up to block the ball, it hit her hands and went in the air, and I caught it to regain possession. This is my favorite field memory because Tammy and I had been working on it for so long to block it and catch it. It was so exciting. My favorite off-the-field memory would be the amazing race. It was such a fun experience and so well planned out. I was on a team with Manisvi, Izzy, and Sara. That whole day made me get closer to all of them. There were so many laughs it was such a good time.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: I think being a part of Robinson flag football and just flag football are 2 different things. Being a part of the Robinson flag truly seems like a privilege that of course not many people get. Things are done differently here than in other programs. Saunders always says the way we do anything is the way we do everything. We do everything with 100% every day. Every practice, every warm-up, every meeting, we are learning and working towards something. The unity in this team is like any other sports team at Robinson. And any other flag team in this country. It really is an honor to be a part of this program.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: I’d ask them if they wanted to be part of a family. A sisterhood. I’d ask them if they want to gain not only advice for sports but for life. It is a commitment but I have never regretted joining ever. I genuinely believe my life would be so different without flag. And I’m so happy I don’t know what that’s like. Because flag has been amazing.