Varsity flag football kicks off their 2026 season

The countdown is officially up. September 19 marked the official start of the 2026-2027 Newbury Park High School [NPHS] girls’ varsity flag football season. The team laces up their cleats, taking the field with parents and teammates’ cheers filling the stadium when a sudden “tweet” snaps them into game time. 

Entering her fourth and final season at NPHS, Krista Spykerman, senior, is keeping a positive and dedicated mindset to help be there for her team in every moment of her senior year. Looking back, Spykerman appreciates everything the flag football community has provided and contributed to a better high school experience.

“Being on the flag football team has changed my high school experience by giving me the chance to meet and bond with so many people while being a part of something that brings our team together and gives us a sense of pride,” Spykerman said. 

For Skylar Lauder, sophomore, her experience with the flag football team has been brief, but she has already felt its impact and learned many lessons through coaches and teammates. Lauder has learned the importance and strategies for keeping a positive mindset throughout the season. 

“I’m working hard and showing up every day and being consistent, so that way I can get better. I want to try my best and just focus on the next play if I make a mistake this season,” Lauder said. 

As Dezmariah Reyes, senior, steps onto the field for her final season with NPHS, she can reflect on the experiences and memories made throughout her time playing flag while also focusing on preparing herself for a good season this year. 

“To prepare myself for a game mentally and physically, I listen to music, watch film, study the other team, and just go in with a positive mindset, trusting my team and believing in them,” Reyes said. 

The team strives to add good assets to the team who are willing to put forth the effort and time to make this season a winning season. 

“My advice would be to work consistently and push yourself to be the best player you can, and over time that effort will bring you to the varsity level,” Spykerman said.