TU Women’s Flag Football Players to Compete at National Trials
Post Published On:After three thrilling seasons on the national stage of the NAIA Flag Football Championships, two players on Thomas University’s elite Women’s Flag Football team were invited to the prestigious U.S. National Flag Football Trials in March.
Senior Janae Scott and graduate student Gisele Jones were chosen by USA Football to try out for the national team. USA Football is the governing body of American Football in the United States, which leads tackle and flag football.
Scott, who plays linebacker and rusher on defense, and running back and wide receiver on offense, said she cried when she got the email.
“It felt like I have finally been seen, but I also had it in my head that this is the beginning and step one with the overall goal of playing in the 2028 Summer Olympics,” she said.
Janae Scott
This is the second year Jones has been invited to the trials. She was invited in 2023, but unfortunately did not make the team. She plays wide receiver and linebacker positions.
“When I got the news, it was exciting because I never thought I would get invited ever again,” Jones said. “It is hard to get invited. Thousands of girls dream of getting invited so for me to get a second invitation, I am grateful.”
Gisele Jones
Thomas University’s Flag Football program began in 2021. Since then, they have achieved immediate success led by head coach Chelsea Parmer on the field and enormous success in the classroom.
“Both Janae Scott and Gisele Jones are extremely deserving of this opportunity to try out at the US Trials,” Parmer said. “They have been instrumental in our program’s success since its inception. They have helped lead our teams to two Conference Championships and two NAIA National Runner-Ups. Both have been named Defensive Player of the Year and All Academic in their tenure with Janae also hoisting two Champion of Character awards. They are phenomenal people and will represent our program and university well. I am looking forward to watching them compete with others in hopes of representing our country.”
With the trials fast approaching, Scott and Jones are preparing for a format they do not play often.
Thomas University is a 7-on-7 Flag Football team. There are seven players on offense and seven players on defense. The U.S. National Flag Football Trials will include 5-on-5 scrimmages, individual drills, and 1-on-1 competitions.
Scott and Jones are learning everything they can about 5-on-5 competitions by playing in different tournaments, among other things.
“I am preparing by going to other USA and Flag tournaments to learn as much as I can about the (5-on-5) game,” Scott said. “I am also staying active, training with TU, and getting extra work outside of practice. I am also watching as much flag football as I can to get those mental reps because both are needed to be successful.”
After participating in her first trials, Jones said she knows what she is doing now.
“I play in (5-on-5) tournaments now,” she said. “I never played (5-on-5) before. When I went to my first trials that was my very first time playing (5-on-5), so I am grateful that I got that experience when I went to my first trials. Now I know what I am getting into.”
As they prepare for the trials, Scott cannot help but think about wearing the USA jersey and competing on the international stage.
“I can’t really put into words how much it would mean to make the national team,” Scott said. “I have been manifesting and speaking it into existence for a while now. Making the team would show that there are a lot of talented people that play at TU and can compete at that level and will hopefully give them recognition and opportunities as well.”
Athletic Director Kurt Stringfellow commends Jones and Scott for earning the unique opportunity to display the exceptional skills and abilities that they have developed at TU.
“It is a huge honor when an individual gets nationally recognized and selected for a national trial, so to have two athletes from one team says a lot about our program,” he said. “They have contributed extensively to the success of our teams over the past three years. I am immensely proud of them and for Gisele to be selected again, it not only says a lot about her athletic abilities, but it also speaks volumes about her character – her ability to persevere. We wish them the best and we will be here cheering them on.”
