Julietta “Jules” Decesare, senior flag football linebacker, has committed to Milligan University after a seven-year flag football career. She joined the Oviedo flag football team in its inaugural year, her sophomore year, but she began playing the sport in 5th grade.
Decesare began playing in 5th grade; Her mother, April Sevrino, says she immediately showed promise with her speed, agility and newfound love for the sport. Going into middle school, the coach recognized this potential and motivated her pursuit of elite performance.
Decesare received three offers after sending colleges her film, but ultimately chose Milligan due to a combination of the coach’s attitude and the team’s excellence.
“What led me to commit to Milligan is definitely because of the coach there. He made a really good first impression that made me feel very welcomed,” said Decesare. “Another reason is because of how good the team is and I know while I am there they will help me become the best player I can be.”
Decesare’s sisters also play flag football. Growing up in an athletic household, the girls tried everything ranging “from gymnastics, soccer, cheerleading, javelin, track, basketball, softball, tennis, golf, [and] football.” For Decesare, though, flag football was ultimately her calling.
“Flag football has definitely affected my life throughout high school in a very positive way. For me playing flag isn’t just about winning,” said Decesare. “It’s always been an outlet for me and whenever I step on the field I just forget about everything going on in my life and I just focus on my love for the game.”
Decesare hopes to go far in the sport, and sees her commitment as the first step in accomplishing her goals.
“I want to continue to pursue flag football in college because I’ve always had a love for the game and I know that if I keep working I could have a chance to be on the USA team,” Decesare said.
For any student who has moved out to pursue college or a job, the feeling of nerves about stepping into the unknown are familiar. The pressure is amplified, however, due to the high expectations placed on athletes who commit to a college for sports.
“I’m most nervous about moving away from all of my friends and family, especially because I will be in a whole different state,” Decesare said. “And also I’m nervous that I won’t be good enough to fulfill my new [coach’s] expectations.”
The commitment represents the beginning of an important next stage in Decesare’s life, which — while it may be anxiety-inducing — carries great opportunity.
“This will be the first time Jules has been on her own without her sisters, and I’m really excited for her to experience independence and discover more about who she is,” Sevrino said.
Her teammates, many of whom have been on the team with her since the first year of the team, expressed anticipation to see Decesare’s athletic career continue.
“I’m excited for Jules to continue playing the sport she loves and to keep learning and developing as a player,” senior Reese Sanderson, her teammate, said. “I can’t wait for her to experience new teammates and new environments that I know she will thrive in.”
Outside of football, Decesare has been playing the flute since fifth grade, worked as a swim instructor for younger swimmers and volunteers Sundays, teaching children with a passion for serving others. Besides her bond with teammates and children she impacts, Decesare looks forward to quality time with family.
“She still gets excited when she comes home and smells dinner from the driveway, and she’s often the calm in our family,” Sevrino said. “Watching her grow into someone who inspires others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.”
