The New York State Sports Writers Association has revealed its 2026 girls flag football all‑state team, recognizing a total of eighteen athletes who competed in Section 4 during the recent season. The selections were announced just days before the state tournament, where the Section 4 champion Sabers saw their campaign end at the hands of the eventual champions, Pioneer.
First‑Team Highlights
Among the honorees, Susquehanna Valley’s Gracie Wallace and Rachel Rychlewski earned first‑team honors in Class C. Wallace, a dynamic running back, compiled 926 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while also contributing 13 sacks on defense. Rychlewski, a relentless defender, recorded 16 sacks and 82 flag pulls, underscoring her impact on both sides of the ball.
Wallace and Rychlewski’s performances helped the Sabers secure five total all‑state selections, a testament to the depth of talent within Section 4. Their contributions have set a high bar for the upcoming season as the team looks to return to the championship game.
Other Section 4 Standouts
The recognition extended to a number of other Section 4 players, including Union‑Endicott’s Victoria Elliott, Madison Simmons‑Hernandez, Gianna Gennarelli, Kayvonna King, Maddy Ocker, Bre Butler and Merisa Mujcic, as well as Binghamton’s Remi Campbell. Additional honorees such as Tessa Berger from Binghamton, Amanat Dhillon and Madison Lewis from Susquehanna Valley, Danica Smith from Windsor, Lauren Lewis and Ashlyn Dalton from Susquehanna Valley, Ashlyn Dalton from Owego, Brilynne Belles from Waverly, Abby Herceg from Chenango Valley, Josey Ryan from Norwich, and several others received second‑team, third‑team or honorable‑mention accolades across Classes A, B and C.
Coaches and teammates alike praised the athletes for their dedication, noting that the awards reflect not only individual excellence but also the growing competitiveness of girls flag football in upstate New York. As the sport continues to expand, these selections signal a promising pipeline of talent poised to shape the next generation of play.