As the Colony High School Knights prepare for the upcoming flag football season, the team is embracing a period of transition and growth. With new leadership, fresh talent, and a strong commitment to development, the Knights are poised to make a significant impact in Alaska’s growing flag football scene.
Offseason Focus: Building a Strong Program
The coaching staff has dedicated the offseason to establishing a high-quality program that fosters resilience, leadership, and growth. By setting clear goals and visions, as well as developing a comprehensive playbook, the team is laying the foundation for long-term success.
Special Offseason Events: Strengthening the Sport
This June, the Knights will attend the inaugural "Matsu-Valley Flag Football Summer Team Camp" at Colony High School in Palmer, Alaska. This event, organized by coaches from the Matsu Valley, aims to expand the sport of girls’ flag football and provide an opportunity for skill development and team bonding.
Notable Changes in Coaching Staff
The coaching staff has seen major shifts this season. Former co-head coach Dustin Wilson has moved on to establish a separate team at Palmer High School, leaving Amy Fischer as the sole head coach of the Knights. The team welcomes back Assistant Coach Klint VanWingerden while adding JV Head Coach Kayla Vinsang, a Colony High alumna and former volleyball player at UAA. Additionally, the coaching lineup includes new assistant coaches Henry Crawford, Roxanne Makomson, and Levi Fischer.
Players to Watch: Rising Leaders
With seven seniors graduating last season, the team is transforming. However, returning varsity players, such as Mayla Unfried, Hayden Vanderpool, Maya Sandefur, and Ella Richardson, are stepping up to lead the squad. Their dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game set an inspiring example. Hayden, a multi-sport athlete who also wrestles, epitomizes hard work, while Ella’s commitment to offseason training has been outstanding.
Offseason Training and Strength Building
One of the standout elements of the offseason has been the Knights’ ability to train alongside the boys' football team. With weightlifting sessions three times a week before school and speed/agility training twice a week after school, the team is ensuring they enter the season in peak condition. Ella Richardson has particularly excelled in these sessions, setting a high standard for her teammates.
Coaching Strategy: Elevating the Game
Coach Fischer and her staff are focused on refining the team’s playbook and implementing strategies tailored to the Knights’ strengths. To further enhance her coaching knowledge, Coach Fischer is also pursuing a national certification in flag football through USA Football.
Community Engagement: Growing the Sport
The Knights have made significant strides in giving back to the community, notably by hosting a flag football camp for middle school students at Colony Middle School in March. This initiative not only helped develop young athletes but also strengthened the connection between the high school program and its feeder schools.
Challenges Ahead: Overcoming Financial Hurdles
While the team is making great strides on the field, funding remains a challenge. As a relatively new sport in Alaska, girls’ flag football lacks the financial resources needed for essentials such as referees, travel, and uniforms. Securing funding will be a key focus for the program moving forward.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With a mix of returning talent, dedicated coaching, and an emphasis on development, the Colony High School Knights are set to embrace this new era with determination and enthusiasm. As the program continues to evolve, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for players, coaches, and fans alike.
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