Powder puff is a fun event that many high schools participate in as a way to spice up the school year during Homecoming week festivities. Oviedo High School is one of the many schools who get to enjoy it. The boys and girls swap roles during the game: as the girls are fighting for the win in a flag football game, the boys cheer from the sidelines.
Leading up to the game there are lots of different things to prepare, which have been handled by Kim Finnegan for 12 years. Weeks before the game there is already plenty to do: the sign ups, giving out shirts, setting up the teams; but, one of the main challenges has always been finding coaches.
This year Oviedo has three coaches: Michael Handler, Chris Capp, and Matthew Hueston, who have coached previously.
“It’s a big ask, Capp stays after school for another hour and a half, and then Handler will come back at about a quarter to four,” said Finnegan, explaining the challenges of setting the game up.
“A lot of the young ladies had after school jobs and after school activities. Balancing their responsibilities and practices was our biggest challenge,” Handler said. The coaches’ responsibilities focus on practices, how to keep the game fun and competitive, and keeping everyone safe. The majority of these girls are student athletes, so it’s important that they stay cautious.
”A lot of them play other sports,” Finnegan said, “we don’t want busted knees, shoulders, or heads, so we try to keep them in check.”
Last year was a great run of powder puff where no injuries occurred and everyone just had a good time. It’s there is a lot of effort and thought put into not only the game, but the event as a whole, so when it’s finally game time, everything runs smoothly. This year, the senior team took the win 26-0.
“There’s so much energy on the field whether it’s excitement or nerves you can just feel the energy all around you,” said senior Gabriella Decesare, one of the many participating athletes.
Powder puff brings lots of connections between the girls. When being on a team it’s crucial to make sure there is a strong bond and trust within the players.
“I definitely made new friends and great memories,” said Decesare. “I’m excited for flag football season to see who’s going to try out from powder puff.”
“Before each practice and after each practice we brought the young ladies together and reminded them: this game is supposed to be fun,” said Coach Handler. “‘You are all Lions and seniors. You will share this experience for the rest of your lives.’”
In the end it doesn’t matter who took the win, everyone left the field with new friends and memories to look back on.
