Blogs

News By Nevaeh Gavino '26

Breaking Barriers: Girls in Flag Football at St. Francis

Nevaeh Gavino. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA Nevaeh Gavino is a junior at St. Francis Catholic High School and serves as the Flag Football representative for the SAAC program. She has been playing flag football for three years and has loved every moment of it. As the sport continues to grow, Nevaeh has become even more involved, dedicating herself to the development and success of the program. She has proudly been part of the St. Francis flag football team for two years and is excited to see the sport’s impact continue to expand.

Flag football at St. Francis has taught me the importance of being part of a team, leadership, and having discipline. The sport itself has also brought many lifelong friendships and the happiness of getting to play for a girls high school team. Flag football is a great opportunity to make new friends and to try new things, it doesn’t only have physical health benefits, but mental health benefits too. The sport brings everyone together as a team. Women in sports is represented through girls flag football because it can show the sisterhood that is created, and the leadership that women can represent.

Flag Football. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

High School Flag Football: The opportunity 

Getting to play flag football is an opportunity for girls to participate in football. Flag football gives the opportunity for women to play a sport that is not often a “girls sport”. Flag football can be identified as a “non-traditional sport”, and now that it is a sport that is starting to grow, it gives girls the opportunity to try new things, and to come out of their comfort zone. The sport also can bring the opportunity to make new friendships, and discover talents they never knew they had. 

Flag Football. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

Flag Football. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

The rise of Flag football at St. Francis

Flag football at St. Francis is on the rise because more people are becoming involved and more interested in the sport. It is starting to get recognized and this creates the opportunity for girls to participate and play football safely. Flag football at St. Francis is a community for everyone, and it provides a way to find your fit, get exercise, and be part of a team. Social media is also highlighting the benefits of playing flag football. The sport provides a competitive atmosphere and is a good way to build friendships and experience team work. Since it is a new sport, this gives an opportunity to try new things and find potential new hobbies. St. Francis helps promote girls in flag football because it is an inclusive environment and has lots of positive support. It also focuses on the importance of growth, discipline, and forming skills not only on the field, but for the future too. The Flag Football program at St. Francis promotes girls to pursue their passions and find new interests, but also to help with self esteem and boost confidence.

Barriers to break

There are many barriers that are broken through girls flag football. When it comes to stereotyping or even the mental barrier to try out a new sport. There aren’t many opportunities for girls to play football. The fear of getting injured is a major barrier to break when it comes to playing flag football. Not having enough knowledge about the game can be challenging too because it can lower someone’s confidence level.

Flag Football. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

Join the game: Help empower girls through Girls Flag Football!

Joining girls flag football has many benefits. It unlocks potential for girls with many talents, and is a great opportunity to break barriers. Flag football can help develop many skills, leadership, team work, and sportsmanship. Girls Flag Football contributes to the idea of empowering women in sports, and is a great way to break the barrier of stereotypes. Flag football is on the rise and will continue to become more popular. The sport also helps build up life skills to use in the future, it helps develop the idea of communication and teamwork. 

News By Jade Abalateo '26

The Fastest Game on Two Feet: Why Lacrosse is Growing in Popularity

Jade Abalateo.  St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA Jade Abalateo is a junior at St. Francis Catholic High School and is in her second year as a SAAC representative, serving as the fall sports DEI coordinator. She has been involved in various St. Francis sports programs, including volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, and flag football. Being part of the St. Francis athletic community has been an incredible experience, allowing her to immerse herself in all aspects of athletics.

While she has participated in multiple sports, lacrosse is her primary focus. Jade has been playing for three years and also competes at the club level with NorCal Rize. Since picking up the sport as a freshman, she has developed a deep appreciation for the game and its many benefits. She was proud to contribute to St. Francis’ 2023-2024 Delta League championship and compete in the Northern California championship game.

The rise of Lacrosse and its Growing Popularity

Lacrosse is growing in popularity like never before, capturing the attention of athletes, parents, and communities nationwide. But what exactly makes this sport so appealing? From high school fields to professional arenas, the popularity of the sport lacrosse is flourishing, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. This blog explores why lacrosse is popular today, its trends, how it is popular among communities and the appeal and benefits of choosing it as their main sport.

Why Lacrosse is Becoming  More Popular: Key Factors 

Driving the Growth

Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America and is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Several factors are driving its popularity. First, lacrosse combines physical activity, strategy, and skill, making it appealing to young athletes who want a fast-paced and competitive sport. It allows players to showcase their skills while working as a team. The sport also has a strong community feel among players. 

The growth of youth leagues, high school teams, and club teams has made lacrosse more accessible than ever. Additionally, more people are discovering the sport through social media, and its visibility is increasing. This social presence attracts teens and young athletes, highlighting the sport’s focus on teamwork, friendship, and the opportunities it offers. These factors all contribute to the rapid growth of lacrosse among young people and athletes.

Lacrosse Trends: What’s Fueling the Sport’s Surge

Lacrosse is experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States, driven by a combination of factors that make it an appealing choice for students, teens, schools, and sports programs. As the sport is increasingly growing in popularity and becoming more known across the country, lacrosse is being adopted by more schools at all levels and added to many athletic programs. Many high schools and youth leagues are now recognizing the value and the lacrosse culture of fostering teamwork, skill development, and athleticism. For many teens, they enjoy the sport because it is a fast-paced competitive sport that combines other great sports while developing difficult skills. The spread of lacrosse has ignited a new level of interest in the sport with multiple leagues being created each year and schools participating in creating new lacrosse programs.

Lacrosse. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

The Appeal of Lacrosse: Why More People are Choosing the Game?

Lacrosse is becoming a popular sport because it is exciting and fast-paced. It combines speed, strategy, and physical play, making it appealing to new players. Often called the “fastest game on two feet,” lacrosse has continuous action that keeps everyone engaged. The fast transitions, quick ball movement, and chances for impressive goals make the game fun to watch and play. Many athletes enjoy lacrosse because it challenges them and keeps their adrenaline pumping. The sport requires quick reflexes, smart decisions, and endurance, all of which help players improve their skills. Lacrosse also mixes physical contact with skill, so players need both strength and finesse to do well. These exciting features make lacrosse especially attractive to teenagers and young adults looking for a new sport. This interest is driving its growth across the country.

Lacrosse. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

Benefits of Choosing or Playing Lacrosse  

Playing lacrosse has many benefits. 

It improves hand-eye coordination, multitasking skills, quick reflexes, and overall mental and physical development. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that requires teamwork. Players must work together, whether they are on offense or defense, which builds strong communication and a sense of unity. At St. Francis High School this is highly encouraged where one is able to be themselves and find who they are while developing tough skills with the close-knit family-like culture surrounding the sport. Lacrosse also enhances agility and speed as players frequently change direction and react quickly. The game’s fast pace improves reflexes and helps athletes develop better coordination and footwork. Overall, lacrosse supports young athletes in growing individually and as part of a team. It provides a fun and competitive environment that encourages lifelong fitness and athleticism.

Lacrosse. St. Francis Catholic High School Sacramento, CA

The Future of Lacrosse and Why You Should Start Playing Now!

Lacrosse is becoming a popular sport for teenagers because it combines speed, skill, and strategy. It offers a fast-paced experience that keeps players engaged and helps them develop important skills like agility, teamwork, and quick decision-making. Lacrosse is unique because it mixes team and individual elements, allowing players to show their talents while also working with teammates to succeed. As the sport grows, it is clear that lacrosse has a bright future for young athletes. If you are looking for a sport that is fun, challenging, and full of potential, now is a great time to start playing.