In a remarkable opportunity, Baldwin Park High School’s newly formed flag football team attended a special training workshop with the Los Angeles Chargers and Nike as they prepare for their debut season in the fall of 2024.
The team, composed of sophomores to seniors, gears up for their first competitive season. The team's journey began with tryouts held on April 30 and May 1, building out a team of 20 determined players. Since then, the team has been practicing rigorously, aiming to make a strong entrance into the CIF league, which will feature flag football playoffs for the first time this year.
Recently, the team secured an invitation to the prestigious training event organized by the Chargers and Nike. This event included a 16-team tournament, a skills competition, and a meet and greet with Chargers players and staff.
"Being our first time competing against other teams, we tried to prepare the girls for the speed and physicality of the game," said team coach Joseph P. Laski. The team quickly adapted, scoring seven touchdowns across three games and demonstrating their potential against some of the top teams from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.
Several players had standout performances. Junior Quarterback Courtney Lacy impressed in the long throw competition, tossing the ball over 33 yards. Junior Running Back Valeria Garcia showcased her speed in the fastest girl competition, while Sophomore Wide Receiver Marissa Arteaga excelled in the “Farmers Walk” competition. During the games, Lacy threw multiple touchdown passes, Garcia scored several touchdown runs, and Arteaga caught two touchdown passes.
The event also included a meet and greet with Chargers players and staff, featuring a speech from Chargers' 2nd Round Pick, Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey, and a team USA women's flag football player.
This summer, the team continues to train four days a week, watch game film, and plan off-field activities for team bonding. "The girls are doing a great job of getting to know each other and building chemistry everyday," said coach Laski.