Carl Sandburg High School has quickly become a standout in the growing world of girls’ flag football. Since its introduction, the sport has offered a new opportunity for female athletes to compete while fostering teamwork, athletic development, and school pride. Under the guidance of head coach Laura Drzonek, the program has transformed from a new initiative into a respected and competitive team.

When the program first began, flag football was seen as a chance for girls to participate in a sport not traditionally offered at the high school level. Interest surged quickly. Students wanted more than just a recreational opportunity; they wanted real competition and a structured environment where they could learn, develop, and succeed.

Though it traded tackles for flags, the game still carried the same strategy, teamwork, and intensity found in standard football. Coach Drzonek embraced that enthusiasm, ensuring the program was built to grow alongside the athletes.

“This has been a great opportunity for our girls,” Drzonek notes. “They’ve wanted more, and they’ve stepped up to meet the challenges of the sport.”

The team’s progress has been evident from year to year. Players have learned the game’s rules and intricacies while adapting to the fast pace and agility demands of flag football.

Practices focus on developing multiple skill sets, with athletes taking on different positions to increase versatility and speed across the field. Passing has improved, agility has sharpened, and the overall level of play continues to rise.

Coach Drzonek has emphasized that development is not only about athletic skill but also about building a deeper understanding of the game. As players grow more confident in their abilities, they also become better at reading the field and adjusting to new strategies.

Equally important as athleticism to Drzonek is the culture that surrounds the program. She has intentionally cultivated a “family-type atmosphere,” where athletes feel supported and valued. Players take pride in representing Carl Sandburg High School, and the program stresses giving back to the community while building lasting bonds among teammates.

“This program isn’t just about competition,” Drzonek explains. “It’s about creating an environment where players can develop, feel proud of what they represent, and still have fun while doing it.”

The emphasis on pride and community has helped the team form a strong identity, one that extends beyond wins and losses.

The rise of girls’ flag football has not been limited to Carl Sandburg. Across Illinois and beyond, the sport has expanded rapidly, with more than 700 teams now participating statewide. With this growth has come an increasingly difficult schedule for the Eagles. Competition has become fiercer, with Sandburg regularly playing teams that are more developed and experienced than in years past.

For Drzonek and her players, however, this challenge has been a motivator. Each season pushes the team to improve, adapt, and rise to the level of their opponents. The more rigorous schedule has not only tested the athletes’ resilience, but has also showcased their determination to remain competitive.

The future of Carl Sandburg’s flag football program is promising. With the sport’s popularity on the rise and opportunities expanding across the state, the Eagles are positioned to continue their growth both on and off the field.

Coach Drzonek’s leadership has been instrumental in building the program’s foundation. By balancing competition with culture, skill development with enjoyment, and pride with progress, she has helped establish flag football as a valued and respected program at Carl Sandburg High School.

As participation continues to grow and the level of competition rises, one thing is clear: Carl Sandburg’s flag football program, under Drzonek’s direction, has already made a lasting impact. What began as an opportunity for girls to experience a new sport has evolved into a program defined by dedication, teamwork, and pride. The athletes have not only learned the fundamentals of the game but they have also built a community that mirrors the spirit and strategy of traditional football.

With each season, the program continues to break barriers and inspire future players to chase their goals, both on and off the field.