The Rio Mesa High School flag football team is gearing up for another season with high expectations and strong determination. Under the lead of Head Coach Bob Gregorchuk, the team is focused on achieving their goals of team building, winning the league championship, making it to CIF playoffs, and ultimately winning CIF playoffs.
One of the biggest strengths of this year's team is their top returning players, who have proven themselves as exceptional athletes. Saniya Holloway, a standout middle linebacker who will be in her junior year, brings incredible speed and range to the team. Serena Montiel, a junior running back, is praised for her intelligence, speed, and leadership abilities.
Sophia Ramirez, a sophomore, brings the "IT factor" to her roles as a wide receiver and outside linebacker with her competitiveness, speed, agility, and athleticism. Senior Jordyn Keys is known for her intelligence and team leadership on the field. Jocelyn Sanchez, a senior quarterback, brings an impressive arm strength and throwing ability.
The team also has talented players in Analysia Brewer, a junior wide receiver and outside linebacker, and Leilah Burboa, a sophomore center with reliable hands and perfect snaps. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Gregorchuk looks for players who embody qualities such as work ethic, responsibility, and sportsmanship, as well as how they treat their teammates.
This year's team captains include Lia Reyes, Jadeline Gonzalez, Yareli Torres, Bella Pizano, Anika Bittner, and Iliana Juarez. These players will work together to lead the team on and off the field. In order to foster team chemistry and camaraderie, the team engages in various team-building activities and competitions at practice, as well as mentoring from coaches and players.
They also have a tradition of having varsity players on the sidelines for JV games and vice versa to support and learn from each other. Coach Gregorchuk motivates his players through competition, one-on-one conversations, and positive reinforcement. He believes in pushing the pace and tempo during practices, and incorporating joint practices with the JV team to help build the team up.
This year, the team will face challenges with multi-sport athletes who have conflicts with their travel teams during the season. However, Coach Gregorchuk and his coaching staff strive to find a balance between keeping the athletes dedicated to the team without discouraging them from participating in other sports.
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