Franklin High School’s girls’ flag football team is a recent addition to FHS. In February 2023, the California Interscholastic Federation approved the FHS girls’ flag football program. Joseph Soria said he felt excited to take the job of head coach as soon as it became available.
Soria, who is also the PLUS teacher at FHS, is new to coaching. He recruited Brian Nauta and Thomas Ulibarri, the assistant varsity coaches. He also recruited Alen Narvarro and Flor Calderon, the assistant junior varsity coaches. Soria said he wanted to hire coaches from different environments to help the team grow.
In the run-up to the selection of head coach, James D. Finch Senior also applied for the job. Finch aspired to be head coach, but Soria beat him to it and Finch settled as the JV head coach. Despite that setback, Finch expressed pride in being part of the team, stating that the greatest reward is seeing the team progress.
As of the publication of this article, the flag football team is 5-17. Their last game was an 18-13 win against Stagg High School on October 16. During that game, Emily Kendall (11) scored one touchdown. Beyonce Garibaldi (12) scored two.
Garibaldi, along with Zara Rodriguez (12), is one of only two seniors on the team. Garibaldi said she would play flag football in the future with the right coaching. Additionally, Garibaldi said she aims for excellence both on and off the field. Her determination drives her, and she reminds fellow athletes to never give up.
One of only three freshmen on the varsity team, Saniyah Mitchell (9) said she feels honored to be on it. She has been working hard this season as a wide receiver and safety. Mitchell said she uses her mistakes to motivate herself. She said she doesn’t want to let mistakes weigh her down.
Mitchell hopes to learn and grow with the team as she makes her way to graduation and looks toward her future in college and beyond.