When the spring of 2023 arrived, only fifteen high schools across Davidson and Williamson Counties dared to field girls flag football teams. Among them was McGavock High School, where head coach Erin Hunt took the helm of a pioneering program.
A Season of Momentum
Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has transformed dramatically. Today, 160 schools statewide compete under the banner of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, culminating in a recent state championship that formed part of the association’s annual Spring Fling.
The McGavock Lady Eagles finished the season with an 8‑4 record, securing fourth place in their division. The roster reads like a story of perseverance: seniors who experienced the sport’s inaugural year now graduate, while underclassmen such as sophomore quarterback Harmony Jordan and junior Dareanna Ryan look ahead to next season with optimism.
For many players, the sport offers more than competition. Tamillya Clay, a senior who joined as a freshman, recalls a “fun and crazy” first year with few rules. Though an injury cut short her final campaign, she says the experience remained “very good distraction” from the pressures of everyday life.
Harmony Jordan describes the campaign as a “roller coaster,” full of highs and lows, but ultimately rewarding. “It’s easy and fun,” she says, encouraging other girls to give flag football a try. Ava Young, another sophomore, praises the team’s positive and supportive atmosphere, noting that the camaraderie feels like a close‑knit family.
Dareanna Ryan’s mother initially balked at the idea of injury, but relented when she saw her daughter’s enthusiasm. Ryan highlights the growth of quarterback Harmony Jordan, a development that has become a focal point of the team’s narrative.
Selena Ross, a junior, says the sport taught her patience and discipline, calling flag football “a relief and a source of peace.” Leasia Strong, a sophomore, recounts a moment when she intercepted a pass and scored a touchdown despite running the wrong way, a reminder of the game’s unpredictable joy.
Twesy Cadet, a freshman, sums up the experience as “bringing the team together like a real family.” As the season wraps up, seniors dream of college scholarships, while coaches like Erin Hunt remain hopeful that the momentum will continue to expand opportunities for the next generation of female athletes.