Senior captain of the Lady Jags flag football team, Brianna Barbee, stands on the field as the stadium lights illuminate it and the audience cheers. The simple 2020 quarantine activity, which started as a brief entertainment option, developed into a much larger venture.
The early decision she made at that time established a dedication that continues to guide her during her final years as a Jaguar.
“I started playing flag football during quarantine with my friend just for fun, but I kept playing and fell in love with the sport and decided to take it seriously by joining a travel team,” Barbee notes.
Barbee understands that her time wearing this jersey will soon come to an end, as it is her senior year. She describes how her team membership creates special relationships that lead her to build friendships through the program.
The current Lady Jags flag football team has undergone both transformation and development due to the new addition of a quarterback and several new team members. The players on the team are developing their ability to work together while establishing their relationships with one another.
To Barbee, flag football is more than just a sport; it is a lifestyle built on discipline and determination. She views the field as a place where she feels most comfortable and confident, a space where she thrives.
She notes, “Being able to showcase all my hard work toward the sport is my favorite part, but I also value the connections I’ve made along the way.”
Her commitment exists outside of game days due to her demonstrating her work ethic and attitude and leadership skills to her younger teammates.
She mentions, “One thing that pushes me to continue flag football is the craving to compete at a higher level, or even nationally.”
Barbee shows how dedication and belief in oneself can help people achieve their goals through her path from playing for fun to competing at higher levels.
Outside of sports, Barbee dedicates her time to her academics and participates in several extracurricular activities. An example of one of the clubs she participates in at school is the Black Student Union.
Also, she has received multiple awards and nominations from the English department at school as the elected student of the year for the course.
No matter what, Barbee will forever represent #2 for the Lady Lags and hold the lasting memories she has created on the field dear to her heart.
