I have always been the underdog, and just like our Panorama Girls' Flag Football team, we represent the underdogs in Los Angeles. As a first-year coach, I chose to work at Panorama as a teacher and coach girls' flag football to help build an environment where our CULTURE includes family, hard work, adversity, and perseverance. Every win this year was earned, and this win, would be the underdog win for our Panorama City Community!

Yancy Alvarenga - Panorama HS (CIF LA)

As a passionate advocate for youth in sports, I have dedicated myself to empowering female athletes across all sports. Flag football has allowed them to break barriers and has created opportunities for success on the field and in the classroom. By championing inclusivity, excellence, and leadership, I have inspired a new generation of athletes to believe in their potential and impact their communities. That is why I feel I have earned the honor of "Coach of the Year".

Vanessa Caldera - Sun Valley Magnet HS (CIF LA)

Besides our program being in its first year and winning the LA City Section Open Division championship, I feel that through my leadership, understanding of the sport and commitment to developing a strong team has led this program into a positive and supportive direction. With my guidance, along with my coaching staff, we have gone above and beyond in not only winning games, but by creating an environment where our girls feel valued and encouraged to reach their fullest potential on and off the field.

Eliapo Sala - Banning HS (CIF LA)

Being nominated as the Coach of the Year is a tremendous honor I share with my JV coach and my players. As a teacher and coach, I have learned that an important quality a leader must possess is having a growth mindset and the ability to communicate effectively with players, other coaches, and parents. I have worked hard to inspire and motivate my student athletes, as well as adapt my approach to their skill set and hopefully build trust in the process. I have had the privilege of getting to know both coach Tony from San Ysidro and Eric from Mira Mesa and I have watched how much time and effort they put into their programs so I do not think I can say that I deserve this honor any more than those fantastic men. I am so grateful that the NFL is working so hard to build this sport that is empowering so many women, both young and old (as well as people like me-somewhere in between).

Heather Nellis - Mission Bay HS (CIF SD)

I feel like I should be the Coach of the Year because I have helped grow this in the 2 years since it has become a CIF Sport. In the 2 years, I went from having 58 girls trying out Year 1, to 103 girls trying out this year. This year, we won a league championship and made a run all the way to the CIF Championship game. Winning this would mean the world to me and my community, as I am living the dream of coaching at my Alma Mater and hometown, and teaching girls how to play football (their own version).

Giantoni Canale - San Ysidro HS (CIF SD)

I am honored to receive this nomination and grateful for the opportunity to support and advocate for young women in sports. The success we achieved on the field, where these girls exceeded their own expectations and learned to believe in themselves, stemmed from establishing a strong culture. This culture encouraged players to take ownership, enjoy each other's company, support and celebrate one another, and challenge each other not just to become better athletes but also to grow as individuals.We made incredible progress, going from starting the program last year to finishing as one of the top teams in San Diego this year. However, what I am most proud of is being alongside these young women throughout their growth this season. This growth may not always be quantifiable, but it is evident and more valuable than anything we achieved on the field.

Eric Trieu - Mira Mesa HS (CIF SD)

FIRE!! This sport is catching on at a rapid pace, not only locally, but nationally as well, and my girls have been a major force behind igniting that passion within themselves and others. When they did it with heart, grit, and trust, the results were incredible. Our inaugural season showed our community that when young women are invested in, motivated, and strong, they can accomplish anything they put their minds and bodies to. It has been an absolute privilege to lead these strong young women not only on the field but off the field as well. If I had any part of igniting their FIRE, then I am the lucky one who gets to see how they achieved it!

Amy Campbell - Ayala Ruben HS (CIF SS)

I believe I am deserving of this Coach’s Award because of my unwavering dedication to the whole student-athlete. While we had great success on the field this year, I’m most proud of the personal and academic achievements my team made. Seeing their growth on and off the field as individuals has been the highlight of my coaching experience.

Douglas Caines - Dos Pueblos HS (CIF SS)

Marc Popovich deserves Coach of the Year for leading San Clemente High School's flag football team to a CIF Finals appearance in the program’s inaugural season, showcasing his exceptional ability to build a competitive and successful team from the ground up. Much like Ted Lasso, he has fostered a culture of fun, competitiveness, and unity, creating an unmatched bond among his players, who describe this season as their most enjoyable experience in sports. Beyond his coaching, Coach Popovich emphasizes a positive balance between academics and athletics, genuinely caring about his players’ success both on the field and in the classroom, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their growth and well-being.

Marc Popovich - San Clemente HS (CIF SS)

The Los Angeles Rams Girls’ Flag High School Coach of the Year, presented by the Los Angeles Rams Foundation, will recognize one coach from each CIF Southern California section with a $2,500 award. Vote now to determine the three winners, one vote per CIF section!Please enter your information in the entry fields below as the nominator.

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Los Angeles Rams Girls' Flag High School Coach of the Year

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