Under the leadership of Head Coach Nick Kozbiel, the team has turned heads across the region, proving that their program may be new, but it is already a force to be reckoned with.
Currently sitting at an 8-4 record, the Dolphins have secured the number 3 ranking in the district, establishing themselves as a threat.
They set the tone for their season back in early February by destroying 19-0 against Tate, showing the rest of the district that their defense was a “no-fly zone.” Players Adeline Hartgrave, Adriana Diemer, and Sasha Gelsinon make sure their section is locked down.
From then on, their season has only gone better with two hard-fought wins against Navaree 20-7 and 19-13. Then an amazing beating against Escambia 37-0, and two wins each against Pine Forest 18-6, 14-0, and Northview 39-0, 19-0.
Coach Kozbiel believes that the success of their team comes from “having a common goal. Everyone on the team has committed to being the best version of themselves and owns their role.”
Players such as Lila Jacobs have had such recognition in the sport that they have committed to colleges for Flag Football. Lila will be attending Lee’s McRae College in North Carolina.
The foundation for their success started back in January when tryouts were held, and 31 talented athletes earned their spots on the roster.
To gain traction and bridge the gap between training and game time, the program hosted its first annual Blue and White Scrimmage on February 13th. Genieve Delapp, a player on the team, says, “The scrimmage at the start of the season was very helpful when it comes to understanding how the game works.”
As the regular season comes to a close, the Lady Dolphins are shifting their focus to districts. They are pushing themselves physically and mentally so they can work together to win the district title.
Out of the 31 players on the team, 13 of them are seniors. They celebrated their senior night with a win against Northview. With so many of the team moving on to their next phase of life, next year’s season will be a completely different team and a whole new beast.
Delapp, who is senior, stated that “my favorite part about being on the team is how funny my teammates and coaches are. I never dreaded going to practice, even when we are putting in a ton of work.”