In their inaugural season, the McClancy’s Girls Flag Football Team has already made a name for themselves through hard work, camaraderie, and determination. Despite some players having little to no prior flag football experience, the team quickly built a strong foundation centered on communication and support for one another. As one of the first Catholic high school girls’ flag football teams in New York, the players can represent their school while creating history together. Through close games, healthy competition, and enduring growth, the players can improve both on and off the field. In an interview with junior center Mary D’Arcy, she explained the importance of solidarity among teammates, how to approach games appropriately, and what it means to be a member of the team, especially in their first year as an established program.
1. How would you describe the chemistry between teammates? The camaraderie is definitely very strong and supportive among the team. We communicate well and strive to help each other improve on and off the field. At the beginning of the season, most of us remained in small separate cliques, but as the season progressed, the team began to feel like family.
2. What’s been your favorite game or moment this season?
One of my favorite games this season was our win against St. Francis Prep when we were head-to-head until the last play of the game. It showed me that confidence and positivity play a huge role in team sports, and that the game truly is never over until the last second.
3. What’s the toughest challenge the team has faced so far?
One of the toughest challenges the team has faced this season and continues to face is staying concentrated and consistent each game, especially when we face a better team and are constantly put under pressure.
4. How has the team improved since the first game of the season?
Our communication, teamwork, and understanding of the game have definitely improved since our first game. During our first game, we didn’t fully grasp the rules of the game and made many little mistakes. Heading to the end of our season, the team plays with confidence against any competitor and executes plays more efficiently.
5. What’s your mindset heading into each game?
Going into a game, I remind myself to put in 100% of my effort into each play. Even if I make a mistake, I shake myself off and concentrate on making the next play.
6. What does it mean to represent your school in girls’ flag football?
It means a lot to be a part of one of the first Catholic high school girls’ flag football teams in NY. Most of the girls had no prior flag football experience before the team, and have consistently put in the work during practices and in games to bring our team to a historic first season.
Although this is the program’s first year running, the team has demonstrated the confidence and resilience needed to develop physically and emotionally. Overall, McClancy’s 2026 Girls Flag Football Team has proven that its historic debut season has helped lay the foundation for a lasting tradition while inspiring future players to follow in their footsteps.
