A Rapid Rise
The Eden Prairie girls flag football team has stormed through the season at 11‑0, securing a spot in the state tournament that pits the top 13 squads against each other and sets up a first‑round clash with Minnetonka.
Their journey is anything but ordinary; a year ago the program was 1‑8, but a combination of increased interest, heightened athleticism and a hungry roster flipped the narrative.
Coaching the Turnaround
Head coach Allie Happel, in her second year leading the program, credits the surge to a broader embrace of the sport across the state and the talent that now populates the roster, noting that "the growth of the league has been massive" and that the team thrives on collective commitment.
Stars on the Field
At the heart of the offense is sophomore quarterback Bella Reeves‑Bauman, who has amassed nearly 2,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns, while sophomore receiver Lauren Peterson leads the team with 11 receiving scores and 478 yards.
Defensively, junior safety Cadence Mix has been a playmaker, recording five interceptions and 24 pass breakups, anchoring a unit that thrives on teamwork and the ability to make big plays in tight contests.
The team’s chemistry extends beyond statistics; every player knows her role, and the collective commitment to learning the game has forged a resilient unit that will be tested when the tournament begins.
Looking ahead, Happel acknowledges that the squad still has room to sharpen, but the momentum suggests they will be a formidable presence in an environment filled with other young female athletes.