ABC13's Athlete of the Week: Flag football team brings pride to South Houston High School community
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- At South Houston High School, the flag football team is changing perceptions and making history.
"We always used to be the underdogs," senior Aniya Capers said.
"They always count us out and say we amount to nothing, but we're here right now," senior Sariah Albert said. "We're going to keep proving everyone wrong, day by day."
The Trojans are back on the field after a historic run to state a year ago. South Houston went undefeated in the regional tournament to qualify for state, out of 96 schools across 16 school districts.
"Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would have a team that would make it to state and be playing here at the home of the Texans," Pasadena ISD Athletic Director Patrick Longstreet said. "The thing that people don't know is these girls can play, and it's exciting to watch."
During halftime of the Texans' preseason game a couple of weeks ago, South Houston played the only other state qualifier from our area, Spring Branch Memorial.
When asked if she'd ever been inside Reliant Stadium, Capers said, "No sir, but it's amazing to look at the beautiful background. It's amazing to be on this field."
The stage is not too big, and the lights are not too bright for this team. The Trojans won on the last play of the game.
The Texans and Hannah McNair have been at the forefront of the "She's Next" movement. They have sponsored over 150 schools statewide. With their success on the field, the Trojans serve as a positive example for the SoHo community.
They can see and dream bigger than their neighborhood.
"They are playing in this environment is just showing the entire community what's possible," AD Longstreet said.
"I want to go to bigger places, so this is just a start," Albert said.
"It can help you farther down the road, like getting a free way to college to continue your other dream; I want to be a doctor," Capers said.
For the Trojans, flag football builds confidence and gives opportunities that will last well beyond graduation.
"Our coach always tells us to push ourselves, be a better person, a better player, and a better leader in everything we do in life," Albert said.
