Grimsley had two football teams in the running for a state championship this year. There was a boys' varsity football team that won the state championship. And in only its second year, the Grimsley girls' flag football team made it to the state playoffs.

 

The Whirlie flag football team finished the fall 2025 regular season with a 10-2 record after shutting out seven opponents, including Page and Northwest, and winning the conference. Grimsley only started a flag football team in the fall of 2024 as part of a larger initiative by Guilford County Schools to offer a more inclusive and safer alternative to football. 

 

This is the first year flag football had a state championship in North Carolina, and the team was excited to participate. They defeated Enloe in the first playoff round before falling to Southern Durham in the second round in late November. 

 

Coach Mike Kennedy has been coaching the team for both years.  “I love coaching these girls,” he said. “They have so much courage, trying a new sport. Many of them didn't know anything about flag football before this team.” 

 

Flag football is the fastest-growing American sport. According to NFL Operations, the number of girls ages 8-17 playing flag football increased by 63% between 2019 and 2023. Flag football gained major recognition when it was added to the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles.

 

Last fall, the Grimsley team practiced every Monday through Thursday for 1 ½ hours. A typical practice began with some stretching. After stretching, the team came together to review some defensive and offensive techniques. At the end of practice, the team faced each other in a scrimmage.

 

One of this year's team captains is Grimsley senior Alaya Mesa. This is Mesa's second year on the flag football team. Flag football has impacted her life in ways she never expected. “Being a team captain teaches you patience and helps you learn how to take accountability,” Mesa said. “Being a captain teaches you to lead with your heart and helps you become a better person.” 

 

Mesa leads with the same discipline, focus, and strategy she carries from her athletic ability.  “As a captain, I really look forward to the team's energy,” she said. “It makes it easy to appreciate and connect with the team because their energy is so contagious and uplifting.”

 

Grimsley junior Stella Lanier returned for a second year on the team. “My friends and I wanted to try it last year when it first started,” Lanier said. “I fell in love with the sport.” Lanier also plays soccer. “Playing soccer, there is a lot more pressure. Because flag football is such a new sport, we are all still learning together. It's fun.”

 

“I am so proud of my team,” Coach Mike said. “I always remind them to play together as a unit. It takes everyone on the team to win.” Lanier reports the same. “Coming together as not only a team, but as a family and working together is one of the most important things I will take away from this team.”