For Lynn Ano, a 10th grader at Hazelwood West High School, stepping onto the flag football field for the first time this year wasn’t something she had planned for long, but it quickly became something she couldn’t imagine missing.

Ano said her interest in the sport began casually.

“I heard about it, and I started watching videos about it on TikTok,” Ano said. “When I heard that we had it at school, I wanted to try it out.”

Now in her first season, Ano has already made an impact on the field as a linebacker and safety, positions that allow her to read plays and react quickly.

“I like playing linebacker because I’m right there, I can see everything and know where the ball is going,” Ano said. “At safety, anything deep is mine, so I have to be ready for that too.”

A typical practice for Ano and her teammates includes warmups, stretching and footwork drills using agility ladders before splitting into offensive and defensive groups. Practices end with a scrimmage, giving players a chance to apply what they’ve learned in game-like situations.

Off the field, balancing flag football with track keeps Ano busy, but she said she’s learning how to manage her time.

“It’s really time consuming because I’m mostly at school,” Ano said. “But I’m getting more used to it since it’s my second year doing multiple sports.”

Ano credits her coaches and teammates for creating a supportive environment.

“Our coaches are great,” Ano said. “Coach MJ is really there for us mentally and emotionally, and Coach Jack really knows football and is always there to help. 

My teammates are really cool too. We have good chemistry and always motivate each other.”

One of Ano’s biggest strengths is her ability to read the quarterback and use her speed to make plays. Still, she’s focused on improving.

“I’m trying to get faster and better at reading QBs,” Ano said. “Also just being in the right place, especially at safety.”

Like many first year players, Ano said one of her biggest challenges has been adjusting to the game and learning its rules, especially when calls don’t always go her team’s way.

Despite that, she’s already had standout moments. Her proudest so far came in her first game, when she recorded her first interception.

“That was a big moment for me,” Ano said.

Ano also takes pride in smaller plays, like pulling flags early to stop the opposing team.

“When I pull a flag, I feel like I’m really helping the team,” Ano said. “It stops the play right there.”

Before games, Ano prepares by eating a good breakfast, listening to music and staying focused during team discussions. As a team, players also share a moment of prayer and a motivational speech from their coaches.

Her mindset is simple but powerful. “Keep going. Don’t stop when there’s an obstacle in your way.”