Yorktown wide receiver/safety Eva Monaco was one of three senior flag football captains, along with Kiera Mooney and Stephanie Douglas, for a Husker squad that won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B championship.
This season, Monaco averaged 38 receiving yards per game, registered 836 receiving yards, had 79 receptions and scored 25 touchdowns, all of which led Yorktown.
Monaco played on the team for all three years of its existence, as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was named All-Section and All-League each year.
Monaco also played forward on the girls varsity soccer team at Yorktown for her sophomore, junior and senior campaigns.
What did it mean to play on the team that won Yorktown’s first flag football state championship? It felt amazing to experience a state championship. With the team that we had, there was no doubt in my mind that we would make it all the way. The girls on the team are my sisters.
We were a family and that is what we played for. I am so proud of the team and how far we have built our abilities while keeping our goal at the front of our mind.
How old were you when you started playing flag football, and what got you started? The most football experience I had before trying out for flag football my sophomore year was throwing the football with my dad in my front yard, or cousins on the beach. I was a gymnast when I was young, but soon realized that I wanted to play soccer like my friends at my new school.
Though I liked soccer, I knew I could take my athletic ability further. Before I started playing football or even stepped foot in a setting of the program, I knew that I would thrive there.
What was your favorite part of being on the Yorktown flag football team? The culture. Leaving school after a tough day is hard, but knowing that you get to go to practice with a group of your best friends makes moving on so much easier.
We understand each other, and with strong relationships and understanding come strong connections and, ultimately, great football teams.
What was your favorite team activity or pre- or postgame ritual? Singing and dancing. My team is full of singers and rock stars who always know how to keep everybody loose and ready to play with no nerves.
Who has been your biggest role model? My coach House (Mike Rescigno). While he did teach me everything about football, he also gave me the confidence to execute what he was teaching me.
He put me in a position where I needed to learn and communicate what I learned to my team. Having that responsibility told me that he trusted me.
Not only do I look up to coach House to teach me and help me grow, I also look to him as someone I want to live like. He is true to his morals and values and does not stray from what he believes in.
Not once did I sense an ounce of disbelief in him throughout our entire season.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people don’t know? I played guitar and did karate as a kid. I quit karate when my sensei told me I needed to jump rope and I refused because I didn't know how.
What do you plan to do after high school? I plan to study engineering at the University of Michigan.
What’s your favorite sports team? New York Knicks.
What’s your go-to warm-up music? My teammate Mia Chee's playlist, some upbeat songs but also softer ones that we love to sing to.
What’s one place you’ve never been but would love to visit? Cinque Terre, Italy.
What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Yorktown flag football team? Please take any opportunity you get to become involved. Football truly is the best sport out there.
It challenges your mind and you get to score touchdowns of course. Football brings people together.
Not only will you gain an amazing experience but you will get to spend time with a family who always has your back.
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