By Staff Reports
After helping build a 17-1 program in its inaugural season, seven Redwood flag football seniors had more to share during Tuesday’s recognition ceremony.
Seven seniors. Seventeen wins. One loss. An undefeated league record.
In its inaugural season, Redwood High School’s girls flag football team has done considerably more than introduce a new sport to campus. The Rangers have compiled a 17-1 record, gone undefeated in league play and established themselves as one of the area’s most successful teams.
The program’s debut has also drawn recognition from the Visalia Unified School District, which celebrated its inaugural girls flag football teams in September as part of the sport’s expansion into CIF competition.
Tuesday night’s Senior Night was an opportunity to recognize seven players who helped make that first season so successful.
But portions of the seniors’ prepared introductions were omitted from the pregame ceremony. The original announcements included their plans after graduation, favorite moments from the season, appreciation for teammates and personal messages to the teachers, coaches and families who supported them.
Those reflections offer a different perspective on a season defined by impressive performances on the field.
Using the original Senior Night recognition script, The Gigantea is sharing the seniors’ responses so the Redwood community can read what the players had prepared for their final regular-season home game.
Adriana Soria-Rosales
Adriana Soria-Rosales plans to attend a four-year university, where she hopes to study communications or kinesiology while continuing her athletic career.
She wanted to recognize Mrs. Vieira, a teacher who has consistently pushed her to do her best and whom Adriana considers someone she can always talk to.
Adriana also singled out teammate Crisp, whose humor and friendship made the season memorable. She said she never expected the two to become so close and looks forward to seeing what Crisp accomplishes over the next two years.
Her favorite memory was the team’s overnight tournament trip, particularly the laughter during the van ride and the time spent together at the beach.
Adriana thanked her four parents, both sets of grandparents and her friends Lizah, Miranda, Jae, Blake and Avah. She also recognized Coaches Wright, Chica, Moore and Eric for making her first and last season of flag football an enjoyable experience.
Jema Serrato
Jema Serrato plans to attend a University of California campus and study mechanical or agricultural engineering, with the goal of becoming a welder.
She wanted to thank Ferb for always being willing to listen to whatever was on her mind.
Jema recognized teammate Kaelin O’Grady for her ability to cheer her up, whether at practice, during a game or away from football.
Her most memorable moment wasn’t a play on the field. It was the night the team toilet-papered Coach Wright’s house.
Jema thanked her coaches, teammates and family for supporting her throughout the season. She offered special thanks to her mother, whom she described as her biggest supporter, and expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to play.
She included a passage from Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”
Harlyn Kausen
Harlyn Kausen plans to attend college and pursue a nursing degree.
She wanted to recognize Mr. Miller for giving her opportunities to grow, not only as a student but also as a person.
For Harlyn, one of the most meaningful parts of the season was the opportunity to play alongside her sister, Evie.
The two have played sports together for as long as Harlyn can remember. She said she feels fortunate to have shared that experience with her sister, recognizing that not everyone gets such an opportunity.
Her favorite memory was the overnight tournament, where she spent time with the teammates she loves playing alongside.
Harlyn thanked Redwood’s coaching staff for the opportunity to represent her school, as well as her family for supporting her dreams. She also recognized her boyfriend for his encouragement and support.
She described representing Redwood as an honor she would never forget.
Tori Ochoa
Tori Ochoa plans to attend Fresno State or UC Merced, major in kinesiology and continue competing in track and field.
She wanted to thank Mr. Roebuck, her weight room teacher, for pushing her to become a better athlete. She especially appreciated the individualized workout plans he developed to help her improve as a runner.
Tori recognized Harlyn Kausen for her positive attitude and leadership on defense. She described Harlyn as the first person to congratulate teammates after a good play and someone who continued encouraging the defense even when the team was struggling.
Her favorite football memory was recording a safety against Golden West.
Tori’s personal thank-yous centered on her family.
She recognized her father as someone she could always depend on and her stepmother, Vanessa, as a role model who helped shape the person she has become.
She also thanked her grandfather, whom she calls Welo, for attending every game and track meet since she was young, regardless of the weather.
Finally, she thanked her siblings, Peyton, Liam, Layla and Penelope, for cheering her on and giving her the opportunity to serve as a role model.
Kaelin O’Grady
Kaelin O’Grady plans to attend a two-year college and become a radiologic technologist.
She wanted to thank Mr. Feehan, whom she described as an important mentor since her freshman year.
Kaelin recognized teammate Reese for her positive attitude, kindness and ability to make others smile.
Her favorite memory came during the team’s first game of the season.
On the first play she entered, Kaelin intercepted a pass.
She remembered how excited everyone was after the game and how sharing that moment with her teammates made the experience especially meaningful.
Kaelin thanked her father for supporting her through difficult and successful moments alike. She also thanked her coaches and teammates for an unforgettable season and the new experiences they shared.
Jaylynn Campos
Jaylynn Campos plans to attend college, major in kinesiology and become an athletic trainer.
She wanted to thank Ms. Jaugari for consistently supporting her and recognized Kaelin O’Grady for being a kind friend and encouraging teammate.
Some of Jaylynn’s favorite memories were making interceptions and celebrating those plays with her teammates.
In her personal message, Jaylynn thanked God for the blessings and opportunities she has received.
She also expressed gratitude to her parents for supporting her ambitions and encouraging her to accomplish her goals.
Jaylynn said she would always cherish the memories and friendships she made through football.
She emphasized how meaningful it was to have the opportunity to participate in Redwood’s first girls flag football season.
Apple Espino
Apple Espino plans to study criminology after high school.
She wanted to thank former Redwood teacher Mr. Higareda for believing in her, encouraging her and pushing her to be her best.
Apple recognized her cousin Miranda as the teammate she especially appreciated.
The two grew up playing sports together, making the opportunity to continue competing alongside each other in high school particularly meaningful.
Her favorite memory was the team’s trip to the Lompoc tournament, especially listening to music and singing with her teammates during the drive there and back.
Apple thanked her parents for supporting her interests and goals.
She offered special appreciation to her mother, who she said has consistently made sacrifices to give her opportunities.
Apple expressed gratitude for the love, encouragement and support her family has provided throughout her life.
Staff Report
Tags: Adriana Soria-Rosales, class of 2027, flag football, Girls Flag Football, Harlyn Kausen, Inaugural Season, Jaylynn Campos, Jema Serrato, Kaelin O’Grady, ranger sports, redwood high school, redwood rangers, rhs athletics, senior night, Tori Ochoa, visalia unified
