The562’s coverage of girls’ flag football is sponsored by the Los Angeles Chargers.
This season is about the big picture for Lakewood girls’ flag football. That Lancers and coach Leilani Utupo found success just playing the game in the in guar season last year, but now they’re concentrating on the little things that make the big things happen.
“This year we’re more focused on development of character and creating the environment and culture of the team and I think that makes a big difference on the field,” Utupo said of her changing coaching style.
Utupo was admittedly lenient on her players last season, but wants to take a more disciplined approach to building a program that puts a premium on being punctual in a structured setting with discipline and accountability.
“You can always coach the small details and put in more work, that’s mostly up to the athlete,” she added. “Laying the foundation of the knowledge of the game and being disciplined will allow them to make those small adjustments physically so that they can thrive.”
Lakewood already has blowout wins over Jordan and Wilson in Moore League play this week, and has yet to give up any points. Khalea Pahulu and Allie Honeycutt, players who have rugby experience, have been fantastic on defense for the Lancers.
Nyeema King is the most experienced returner and she has been a star on both sides of the ball. The All-Moore League basketball player is a ball hawk who is not afraid of contact.
Fellow senior Devoni Ray (pictured left) has also been a standout in her first year on the field at receiver and safety. She had played basketball but an injury took her off the court. Now fully healed, Ray is back to play both sides of the ball for the Lancers. Ray is a 4.0 GPA student who was also in ROTC, so she understands the team setting.
“Now that we’re encouraging her and her style of play she’s out there directing on the defense or helping me make adjustments on the field when she sees something I’m not,” Utupo said of Ray, who has flag football experience.
“Being able to adjust to the defenses has been important,” Ray said. “The best teams always play as a team, so if we can just get on the same level we’re going to be hard to beat. We really want to win.”
“Uplifting the athletes and showing them that someone is rallying in their corner, whether it be teammates or coaches, really makes a difference in their play but most importantly their lives,” Utupo said. “That’s what we’re here for! “
