SOMERS, N.Y. - When Somers hosted the first annual Flag Football Kickoff Event, eight teams attended. Five years later, that number has jumped to 40, and the sky is the limit, according to an actual Super Bowl champion.
“This sport can take you to places that you could never imagine,” said Brandon London of the world champion New York Giants.
Addressing the gathering, the former wide receiver assured the athletes that the opportunities are growing. With the sport exploding at the college level and Olympic recognition on the way, he said, “You are in charge of the culture and the future of football.”
The present was just as exciting. The cold, nasty, windy day had Jonathan Casillas reveling in the football weather.
“Do you feel it?” he roared, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd. The former Giant praised the energy of the athletes.
When he noted that flag football is on pace to become the No. 1 sport in the world, the linebacker cheered on the dedicated girls.
“You are the pioneers,” he said.
One of them is Julia Schmidberger, whose presence as a coach showed she has no intention of fading into the past.
“I’m here to support the next generation because Katie supported me and built me up,” said the College of Staten Islandsoccer and football player and 2025 Somers alum, referring to Somers assistant coach Katie DiChiaro.
At Somers, boys may have long cornered the market on football, but Nicole Galletti doesn’t see that lasting forever.
“We’re getting there,” said the Tusker running back.
Sharing the backfield with her, Natalie D'Ippolito enjoys showing off her moves.
“I like getting the ball and juking people out,” said the sophomore.
Their first-year coach, Vinny DiFilippo, was just as proud to help build the sport and take part in the event.
“We have 12 stations that focus on different drills and skills in all facets of the game,” he said.
Emma Emerson was one of the beneficiaries.
“You block for the quarterback so she can get a good angle to pass or run the ball,” said the Mahopac tight end.
She’s not the only one thinking bigger than herself.
“We connect. Everyone works together,” said Mahopac sophomore Abby Spedaliere. “That’s what it takes to win.”
Kenzie Meola has the same goal for her Yorktown Huskers.
“We’re solid and have the tools to win the league and the sectionals,” she said.
The cornerback doesn’t mind shining on her own either.
“I like pick-sixes,” she said — and four for her career isn’t bad.
Still, she takes pride in the sport’s growth and the synergy among players from different teams.
“At the end of the day, we’re all trying to be the best we can,” Meola said.
Natalia Soto of Walter Panas Panthers agrees. While she enjoys the speed and agility required to succeed at running back, the two-way player prefers defense.
“I love how you try to break down a player and get to the ball,” said the senior.
The Panther also praised the event’s organizer.
“I think Katie DiChiaro is amazing. She has really raised awareness for our sport,” Soto said.
Of course, the Somers assistant coach deflected the credit.
“The support from the Giants and their players helps legitimize the sport,” DiChiaro said.
Even more important, the time and attention given to the sport provide a voice for girls’ athletics overall.
“With big names showing they care about girls’ sports, we get a platform that helps spread the message,” Schmidberger said.
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