2023 Flag Football Captains
Get to know more about Robinson Flag's captains with these Q&As.
VARSITY
HEAD CAPTAIN: Juila Guillermo
POSITION: Rusher
YEARS ON TEAM: 4
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I joined Robinson Flag Football because I wanted to get more involved in my school. I heard that they had a great program, and that it would give me the opportunity to meet new people. Although I was nervous to try out, I decided to give it a try and I am certainly glad I did! Not only has flag blessed me with amazing friendships, but it has also opened doors for me to grow as a leader, teammate, and friend. I am beyond grateful for this sport and the many enjoyable experiences that have come with it!
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory on the field was when I got to rush as a freshman during the Bucs preseason classic against Alonso. Although I was super nervous, I would say that was the day I found my passion for rushing! Another memory that is special to me was celebrating with the entire team after our 2022 State Championship Win. I have made countless amazing memories over the last three years and I am so excited to see what is in store for my last season!
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag football is unique because of how simple yet intricate the sport is. Being a part of Robinson Flag Football is more like a family than a team, and that's what makes it special. This program has created an environment where it pushes you to be better both on and off the field. Over the last three years I have been surrounded by teammates who have been nothing but supportive. They have taught me to focus more on the little things in life and to enjoy the experiences in front of you.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: Just go for it! You never know if you're going to enjoy it, unless you try it out! I think coming into it with a positive attitude helps you realize that you are able to go outside of your comfort zone, even though it might seem scary. All of the girls are super welcoming and encouraging, which truly helped me when I was a freshman coming into the program!
CAPTAIN: Katéjion Robinson
POSITION: Outside Receiver, Safety
YEARS ON TEAM: 4
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I chose to join Robinson Flag because I liked playing flag in middle school, and when I came to high school I heard how great the program was, and also how strong the bond the girls had was, and being a freshman I wanted to be a part of that.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory on the field is during the Newsome game my sophomore year. It
was the adrenaline rush that I got that reminded me why I liked playing flag. It was great working together as a team and having having each other's backs. My favorite memory off the field is with my teammates during states, when we were in the hotel rooms just goofing off and having fun with each other.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag is unique from other sports because of the environment the program surrounds itself in. The girls make lifelong friendships and build bonds with each other like no other sport. We support each other through thick and thin and help each other when needed.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: Advice I would give is to not be scared to try a new thing. No one is going to judge you, so just give it your best effort at all times and have fun.
CAPTAIN: Manasavi Vijayaraghavan
POSITION: Inside Receiver, Linebacker
YEARS ON TEAM: 3
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson flag?
A: I chose to join Robinson Flag because I started to play flag in middle school and over the years, grew a strong passion for it. Coming into high school I knew I wanted to involve myself in this program as I had heard many good things about it and I am so glad that I did, because without that choice I would not be the person I am today and would not have the support system that I have either.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory on the field was winning on the Bo Jackson field in Portland, Oregon at the Nike headquarters. This once in a lifetime experience really showed me how hard work, commitment, and dedication allow you to achieve anything you dream of. Despite the importance of the work all of us who to went to Oregon put in, we wouldn't have been able to do it without the hard work of all the past players that created the foundation of the program. Off the field, my favorite memory is traveling across the country with my closest friends and getting to record every moment of it. Through this traveling, we have made so many memories and inside jokes that I will never forget and that will always have a special place in my heart.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag is unique from other sports because of the people and coaches involved in the program. Being on Robinson Flag for a couple of years now, I have realized how different the environment is within our team. Everyone is very supportive of each other and always helps each other improve not only as a player, but as a human. I have learned first hand that this program has made me a better person overall and has taught me many important lessons that will benefit me all throughout my life.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: I would say, just do it! Throughout high school, if there is one thing I have learned it is that you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Even if it might be out of your comfort zone, everyone is so welcoming and encouraging of you to reach your full potential. Coming in as a freshman knowing that Robinson Flag program significantly helps make a name for the sport of flag football was extremely nerve wracking, but as soon as I stepped foot on the field I knew I wanted to be here because I felt so welcomed and everyone was always looking out for me to reach my full potential as a player. I made a life-long family and this would have never been the case if I didn't take that first step my freshman year.
CAPTAIN: Bella Rodrigues
POSITION: Center, Corner
YEARS ON TEAM: 4
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I decided to join Robinson Flag because I played flag in middle school and really enjoyed it. Once I played in my first preseason game in high school, I knew that I wanted to play this sport for the rest of high school because it was such an amazing experience from the start.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: On the field, my favorite flag memory is winning states last year in a close game and
seeing Manasvi get the interception that secured our win. Off the field, my favorite flag memory is going to Oregon and having countless once in a lifetime opportunities and getting to bond with my teammates and the Alonso players.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag is unique because of the community aspect of the team. The team is incredibly tight-knit, and everyone shares the same goals and works hard together year-round to achieve them, bonding with each other and having so many amazing opportunities along the way.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: To anyone unsure about joining flag, go for it! It is so much fun and helps you to meet new people, become a better student-athlete, and overall just have a much better high school experience than you would without it. Everyone here is committed to making sure you improve and enjoy the sport, so you should definitely give it a try.
JV
CAPTAIN: Emma Smithson
POSITION: Quarterback
YEARS ON TEAM: 3
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I decided to join flag because I had done a clinic with a few girls that were on the team and Coach Mimbs when I was in elementary school and I played flag in middle school. I had been experimenting with other sports for a while and none of them felt like a great fit for me or got me really exciting about playing
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: My favorite flag memory on the field would have to be the 2022 state championship game because of the decision that the coaches made on how to end the game, running on the field to celebrate after the win, and then taking pictures with my teammates after the game. Off the field my favorite memories would be all of the meals that we spent with our team and Alonso in Oregon because we got to connect and bond so much through our shared experiences on a nationally recognized football team.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag football is incredibly unique because of the opportunity it provides girls to play football. We aren't just playing to win but we're playing to prove to ourselves and others that football isn't just for boys. We are also held to a very high standard as we are expected to be great students and people both on and off the field. The community and support that this flag team provides is unlike anything I've ever experienced because everyone respects and welcomes each other.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: Put aside your fears and nervousness and just try it out. It's pretty intimidating coming out and experimenting with a team where the expectations and intensity level are so high but it is so worth it to be able to say "I'm on the Robinson flag team." You'll never have to worry that you won't be welcomed or will be too confused about how to play the sport because you'll probably be met with an overwhelming amount of support and players trying to welcome you. Playing flag football for Robinson has probably been one of the best experiences of my life and it all started with me coming out in the summer as an incoming freshman and trying out out.
CAPTAIN: Campbell Moore
POSITION: Running Back, Corner
YEARS ON TEAM: 3
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I chose to join Robinson Flag because I wanted to be part of a team. I heard all kinds of good things about Robinson flag when I played one season in the under the lights flag league. I hadn't played much flag, but I wanted to push myself to be a part of the team like this one.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field....
A: My favorite memory off the field is all the team trips we have taken in both the offseason
and during the season, especially the trip to States. The entire team being in a hotel together to hang out and bond helped to create all the friendships I have now on the team. My favorite memory on the field was freshman year when i scored my first touchdown in the last JV game of the season. Seeing all my teammates so happy for me made me realize how strong our bond was as a team and just how much I loved playing flag.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag is so unique because of the expectations we set for ourselves. We practice year round because we want to get better. We set our expectations high and then consistently meet them. This is what sets us apart from everyone else, making us so unique.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: Do it! Everyone on the flag team is so welcoming and accepting that you'll feel like a part of the team immediately. Flag will give you the chance to be part of something unique, something bigger than yourself. If you stick with it and work hard, you will get to be part of something you will never forget.
A: My favorite flag memory on the field is during the Newsome game my sophomore year. It was the adrenaline rush that I got that reminded me why I liked playing flag. It was great working together as a team and having having each other's backs. My favorite memory off the field is with my teammates during states, when we were in the hotel rooms just goofing off and having fun with each other.
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I decided to join Robinson Flag because I played flag in middle school and really enjoyed it. Once I played in my first preseason game in high school, I knew that I wanted to play this sport for the rest of high school because it was such an amazing experience from the start.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field...
A: On the field, my favorite flag memory is winning states last year in a close game and seeing Manasavi get the interception that secured our win. Off the field, my favorite flag memory is going to Oregon and having countless once in a lifetime opportunities and getting to bond with my teammates and the Alonso players.
Q: Why did you choose to join Robinson Flag?
A: I chose to join Robinson Flag because I wanted to be part of a team. I heard all kinds of good things about Robinson flag when I played one season in the under the lights flag league. I hadn't played much flag, but I wanted to push myself to be a part of the team like this one.
Q: What is your favorite flag memory? On the field and off the field....
A: My favorite memory off the field is all the team trips we have taken in both the offseason
and during the season, especially the trip to States. The entire team being in a hotel together to hang out and bond helped to create all the friendships I have now on the team. My favorite memory on the field was freshman year when i scored my first touchdown in the last JV game of the season. Seeing all my teammates so happy for me made me realize how strong our bond was as a team and just how much I loved playing flag.
Q: In your opinion, what makes flag unique from other sports and activities?
A: Flag is so unique because of the expectations we set for ourselves. We practice year round because we want to get better. We set our expectations high and then consistently meet them. This is what sets us apart from everyone else, making us so unique.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player unsure if flag is for them?
A: Do it! Everyone on the flag team is so welcoming and accepting that you'll feel like a part of the team immediately. Flag will give you the chance to be part of something unique, something bigger than yourself. If you stick with it and work hard, you will get to be part of something you will never forget.