Offseason Focus: Strengthening the Mind, Body, and Game
As St. Mary’s Academy enters its second season of flag football, Head Coach Marnello Berry is leading with a clear mission: to grow mentally, physically, and fundamentally. The team has been focused on mastering the small details and building a deeper understanding of the game, especially the "simple things" that often separate good teams from great ones.
The coaching staff is pushing for greater consistency, emphasizing athletic growth, mental resilience, and a high football IQ.
Special Offseason Events: Early Club Participation, Summer Camps Ahead
Though it's still early in the offseason, several players have taken initiative by attending club tournaments and camps, giving them valuable exposure to different coaching styles and competitive environments. These experiences not only improve individual skills but also expand team chemistry as they return with fresh perspectives.
Later this summer, St. Mary’s Academy plans to host its team camps—another key opportunity for bonding, development, and preparation.
Roster Update: New Faces, Familiar Core
The team graduated only two players from last season, allowing for a strong returning core to lead the way in 2025. Several girls who were unable to play last year are now available, providing much-needed depth and a boost in talent across the board. This continuity, combined with new additions, is expected to be a huge asset for the team's growth.
Being a second-year program, the returning players now have a better feel for the game and are excited to build on the success and lessons of last season.
Players to Watch: Senior Leaders Set to Shine
There’s no shortage of talent on this year’s roster, and Coach Berry highlighted several key returners to watch:
Riley Trosclair – A standout from last season, Riley is poised for a big senior year. Her offseason work ethic has been tremendous.
Elle McRimmon – Stepped up late last season and is expected to take on a major role this year.
Deja Smith (QB) – Has been sharpening her skills through offseason camps and tournaments. Her ability to slow the game down and read the field continues to improve.
Skylar Newsome – Entering her second year in the program, Skylar is expected to take a significant leap forward.
Coach Berry added, “The list goes on—this is an exciting group with a lot of girls who can go!”
Weight Training & Fitness: Taking It to the Next Level
This offseason marks the introduction of weight training, which was not part of the program last year. The added focus on strength and durability is expected to help the team sustain a higher level of play throughout the season.
Nutrition: Building Habits for Long-Term Success
The coaching staff is also placing more emphasis on healthy eating habits during the offseason, with hopes that players carry those habits into the regular season. Proper nutrition is viewed as a key factor in performance and recovery.
Coaching Perspective: Learning from the Past, Building for the Future
The coaching staff has been locked in since the end of last season, particularly reflecting on the team’s playoff loss and how to grow from it. New wrinkles on both offense and defense are being implemented to prevent past mistakes and position the team for a deeper postseason run.
Fan Engagement & Community Connection: Growing the Program
With the program entering just its second year, building fan support and community engagement is a top priority. The team is optimistic that stronger community ties and on-field success will bring more visibility and backing.
Biggest Challenges: Finding Time to Gel
Coach Berry acknowledges that the biggest challenge is getting the entire team together consistently during the offseason. Many players are involved in other sports, which he fully supports, but it does limit full-team reps. Still, once the group comes together, he’s confident that things will click quickly.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Season in Sight
With strong senior leadership, new training methods, and returning experience, St. Mary’s Academy Flag Football is primed for a breakout 2025 season. Coach Berry and his staff are building not just a team, but a culture of excellence—one practice, one game, and one life lesson at a time.
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