Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Kaylee Messina

Kaylee Messina, a senior at Dr. Phillips High School,  grew up with a football in her hands and now plays as the quarterback for the Dr. Phillips High’s flag football team. This season, the team is ranked No. 3 in the state with a 13-0 record so far this season. Next year, Messina plans to play intramural flag football at Florida State University. 

Why did you initially join the flag football team at Dr. Phillips High?

I’ve been playing flag football since I was 8 at the YMCA. When I found out that DP had a flag football team, my parents were like, ‘Yeah, you have to try out for that.’ My family is super big football people. My brother plays. We watch it every Sunday. So, I’ve grown up with it.

What’s your favorite part of the game?

I love the team and how close we are. I also love scoring and moving the ball up and down the field.

What are the biggest challenges you face on the field?

Definitely throwing the ball with rushers coming at you. You have limited time to throw it down the field. And trying to find an open receiver in all the traffic.

With an undefeated season, how do you keep the momentum going?

Each one of us has different skills that we bring to the game. If we each use those skills, that’s how we get 30 or 40 to 0.

What was one of the biggest highlights of the season so far?

Beating Harmony. It was 13-12. They’re our rivals. I was relieved and super happy that our defense could pull through in the last minute.

What is your favorite football team?

Washington Redskins. But my favorite player is Odell Beckham Jr. from the Giants.

What are you most excited for about college?

The freedom and the new town.

What is your favorite TV show?

I binge everything on Netflix. I can’t even pick one that’s my favorite. What I’ve watched recently is “13 Reasons Why” and “Sense8.”