After the photo shoot, players and coaches met with sports medicine experts from Novacare Rehabilitation to learn about player safety, good sleep habits for teens, and nutrition. Additionally, through a partnership with the Eagles' Operation Warm, each participant received two FLY:FWD sports bras to ensure each player is properly equipped for this season's games.
Before concluding the celebration, each team heard from Eagles defensive end Taron Jackson.
“This is a really great event for the girls,” Jackson said. “We want to let them know that we notice them and that what they're doing matters. This is what this organization is behind continuing to grow this league and the sport. is showing.”
Coach Jackson's overall message to the girls was to find a routine that will help them improve, practice hard, and take care of their bodies before, during, and after games.
After watching the hype video, the players were surprised to see a special pre-recorded message from quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Hurts, who has an all-female leadership team, touted the girls as pioneers who are part of the school's first girls' flag football team and a sign of empowerment for younger generations to follow in their footsteps. With flag football set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, Hurts encouraged the girls to continue growing their game and set goals such as representing their country on the world's biggest stage.
“I'm doing this to empower women in this sport and provide great opportunities, and I know the Eagles are doing this too,” Pedersen said.
