Thanks to the contributions of five Seminole Ridge High School graduates, the women’s flag football team at Keiser University in West Palm Beach is one of the top collegiate flag football teams in the nation.
Those five players are senior Emma Wagenman, senior Marisa Rubino, sophomore Sophia Caprio, junior Chloe Griffin and junior Haylie Young. They are led by current interim head coach Samantha Harris, who is a former flag football coach at Seminole Ridge.
So far, Keiser’s record is an impressive 7-1 this season. The only blemish was a 20-14 loss on March 15 to Florida Gateway College in a game that was part of the Reinhardt Invitational in Waleska, Georgia.
Harris expects all her players, especially the Seminole Ridge graduates, to be as focused and dedicated to excellence off the football field as they are on the football field, whether it’s homework, an exam, a practice, a scrimmage or an actual game.
“Among my athletes, I anticipate a positive attitude at every practice and game. Other key expectations I have for my athletes are accountability, responsibility, and effective communication with both coaches and teammates,” Harris said. “I’ve had the privilege of coaching some of these players during my 10-year tenure at Seminole Ridge High School. These players all bring something unique to our Keiser Seahawks family. I am grateful for this chance to coach them at this level and to share in their journey, from being a [Seminole Ridge] Hawk to becoming a [Keiser University] Seahawk.”
According to Harris, each of the five former Seminole Ridge players is making a major contribution to the team’s overall success.
Wagenman loves to play flag football. She is physically fit and mentally strong, Harris said.
“The drive, passion and fire that I see in her at practices and games is something I love about her as an athlete,” Harris said of Wagenman. “She’s a smart player and one of the best rushers in the game. I’m looking forward to watching her work at beating her record in sacks.”
This season, Wagenman has had nine tackles, six of which have been sacks. She has also caught five passes, one of which was for a touchdown.
Rubino has a very determined mindset when she plays flag football.
“Her passion for the game shines through every time she’s on the field,” Harris said. “She is consistently making every opportunity count. She’s a huge asset to this team, and I love watching her play the game at this level.”
This season, Rubino has caught six passes, one of which was for a touchdown. She has also caught two extra point passes.
Caprio thrives in the team environment.
“She has a fierce competitive spirit. Her self-imposed standards and dedication both on and off the field are apparent,” Harris said. “She puts in the effort benefiting not only herself but the entire team. I’m looking forward to watching her grow and compete at this level.”
This season, Caprio has caught five passes, one of which was for a touchdown. Defensively, she has had 11 tackles.
Griffin leads by example on the football field.
“I admire Chloe’s leadership style. She motivates her teammates through her actions, work ethic and on-the-field plays,” Harris said. “She has a smile that is infectious, and her quiet determination drives everyone around her to strive to be better. Her impact on the game is powerful.”
This season, Griffin has had seven receptions, four of which have been for touchdowns. Defensively, she has had six tackles.
As a quarterback, Young maintains her composure while evading any oncoming rusher in the backfield.
“Her ability to remain calm in the backfield, as well as her ability to read the field, is impressive,” Harris said. “In high-stress situations, Haylie can bring this team back into a state of focus. Her passing game is strong. I am looking forward to watching her grow more this season and become an even stronger quarterback.”
This season, Young has thrown for 374 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Seahawks will look to continue their winning ways when they play in Miami Gardens against longtime Sun Conference rival St. Thomas University (9-2) on Saturday, April 6. The game will start at 1 p.m.
