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Parent Perspective: A Mother's Journey into her Daughter's Flag Football Field of Dreams
By Jamie Matthews
As a mother of an amazing student athlete, I’ve had the privilege of watching my daughter Nia Young and her passion for sports blossom, just as my own love for football did when I was a little girl. From an early age, football wasn’t just a game to me - it was a dream.
In 2003, that dream became a reality when my sister and I tried out for the tackle Columbus Comets football team. Making the team was an unforgettable moment. It felt like the little girl from my backyard was finally where she belonged. But my time with the team was cut short. During one practice, a bad hit left me with a knee injury, ending my chances of playing the sport I loved.
Even though my football journey was cut short, I never lost my love for the game. So, when my daughter Nia came home beaming with excitement after hearing that
Shadow Ridge was going to have a girls flag football team, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own dreams. As proud as I was, I was also nervous. My injury was a reminder of how physically demanding football could be, and Nia was already a talented track athlete - I didn’t want anything to jeopardize that.
But then I remembered the unwavering support my mother gave me when I wanted to play football, despite her own concerns. Now, as a mother, I knew I had to do the same for Nia. Watching her prepare for her first Powderpuff game, I prayed over her, just as my mother prayed over me. When Nia stepped onto that field, I saw a confidence and joy in her that reminded me of myself all those years ago.
Nia is a senior and one of the captains on the Shadow Ridge Flag Football team. Seeing Nia play her first flag football game was more than just a proud mom moment-it was a reminder of how far we’ve come. Flag football for girls is an incredible opportunity that allows young women to show their talent and passion for a sport that, for so long, was seen only for boys. It’s not just about the game; it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for the next generation. The sport of girls’ flag football is growing, and it’s going to open doors for so many young women. Watching these girls on the field, I see the same determination, talent and love that myself and many other women have. But now, they have something we didn’t-a future in the sport. Flag football is carving out a place for young girls in the Dysart Unified School District and all over the world to not only play, but also thrive, compete, and maybe even turn their passion into a professional career.
As I continue to support Nia, I hope that she and her teammates at Shadow Ridge High School can demonstrate their hard work, dedication, and skills for the world to see. More importantly, I hope that little girls watching them play will be inspired to pick up a football, chase their dreams, and feel the same joy that Nia and I have experienced.
My message to those girls-and to the parents standing behind them is simple: support your child’s dreams, no matter how unconventional they might seem. With encouragement and love anything is possible.
