Courtesy: Lauren Ferragonio.
The Sto-Rox Girls Flag Football team wrapped up its inaugural season on Sunday in an end-of-season tournament at Carnegie Mellon University’s Gesling Stadium. While the Vikings lost, to finish with a record of 5-6, Head Coach Lauren Ferragonio was far from disappointed.
“I’ve seen so much personal growth in all of my girls,” she said in a post on Instagram. “Caring about grades, massive improvements in self esteem and overall behavior, working as a team despite having different personalities, getting compliments on sportsmanship, and staying high when others have gone low.”
Courtesy: Lauren Ferragonio.
Ferragonio, herself a professional football player with the Pittsburgh Passion, also reflected on this opportunity to lead a team.
“I never really thought much about myself being a coach, but I am so blessed to have this opportunity and wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Ferragonio. She also thanked the many supporters of the team, including those who helped with practices, equipment and snacks.
The Vikings were part of a pilot program led in part by the Pittsburgh Steelers and its Youth Football initiative, with the aim of making Girls Flag Football a PIAA-sanctioned high school sport. The team started its inaugural season April 2 with a scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium and played games across the region on Sundays leading up to the tournament. Congratulations to our girls on a fine first season - and many more to come!