Even with the success of the Florida A&M girls’ flag football team, Simply Marvelous, they are not used to a lot of exposure. But come Saturday, they will get more than enough for the job they did on the field.
Simply Marvelous will be recognized for their six national championship flag football titles since 2007. They will have their own segment of the game to state their accolades in front of the expected crowd of 20,000.
Coach Marvin Green Jr. said that the girls were jubilated when they learned they would be showcased for the game.
“They were excited,” he said. “The feel like the university would let the whole campus know about the greatness of the team.”
The team will get called onto the field at 2:33. Past and present players from the squad will be able to participate. The PA announcer will then highlight the team and their awards.
Senior Ashley Livingston felt being honored by the school, and in front of thousands of people for homecoming was a sign of the team gaining respect.
“For us to be the only women’s flag football team in Tallahassee, it feels to good by recognized by the community on this stage,” Livingston said.
Simply Marvelous are back-to-back national champions and the team are expecting a third one for this season. Despite the loss of three key players, including two captains from last year, Sophomore Erika Collins still believes they can win more titles.
“I expect us to win two more national championships,” Collins said. “We just got to come out and play and keep the fire going.”
So far in the Tallahassee city flag football league, they recorded two wins and losses. However, as an all-female squad, their competition is against all males. For the past two years in the league, the team has a combined nine wins and seven losses in the league.
Even against all-male opponents, Green said they will still work on their game to prevent future mistakes.
“We will prepare ourselves so that we are never caught slipping,” he said. “Because of our reputation, we will always have a target on our back.”
Since the team has not been in the spotlight, many people do not know of the sisterhood that develops with the team.
Livingston said the bond between teammates is wonderful while having people to relate to daily.
“It feels wonderful,” she said. “As an only child it feels great to have people to get along with other women and not have any problems.”
Simply Marvelous continues their city league play with a game Tuesday night.