What started as pickup football games with neighborhood boys has become a competitive pursuit for Makayla Espe, a 10th grader at Classical Academy High School. After discovering organized girls’ flag football in 2023, Makayla quickly found her sport and earned a spot on the CAHS Varsity team as a freshman. Since then, Makayla has continued to make her mark. She earned All-Coast League Defensive Second Team honors in 2025 and was recently named Classical Academy’s MVP following a close showcase matchup against Helix. Her years of competitive soccer have also helped shape her speed, footwork, field awareness, and approach to teamwork. Makayla’s journey comes as girls’ flag football continues to grow, creating new opportunities for young athletes to compete and develop. From neighborhood games to Varsity competition, Makayla is excited to be part of a new generation of female athletes taking the field.