The Unified Flag Football team completed their season in the second round of the IHSAA finals, which might seem like an unfortunate way to end. However, for this team, the season was unforgettable in many ways—from winning more games than ever before to having fun no matter what. They never had a dull moment, and doubling their record was just the cherry on top.

For Coach Lawhead, this was her second season as well as the team’s second year competing.
“We had twice as many people on the team. It truly has grown so much,” Lawhead said. “The family we built, the community, and the spread of love for Unified.”

In her second year of coaching, Coach Lawhead helped lead the team to a fun and positive season. She also allowed the high schoolers to help coach, which contributed to a total of four wins for the season. She recognized how the team became much more than just a team—they became a family that truly cared for one another. Nearly doubling their roster from the previous season only made that family bond stronger.

“This made them feel like they were part of something special,” Lawhead said. “The love of Unified and the pride of being a Royal.”

This team was special. At the end of the day, win or lose, they were always pumped and excited for the next game. Being a Royal, to them, is about showing pride in their school—and this team truly embodied that spirit more than words can express. Their season was amazing not just because they won games, but because they won as a team.

“The Colts game and experience—we figured out we could play well and have fun as a team,” Lawhead said. “We really showed the spirit of what Unified is all about.”

Around the middle of the season, the team realized just how well they could play, and it truly showed when facing a tough Westfield team at the Colts Complex. They were ecstatic the entire game and gave it their all. Now that the season has come to an end, Coach Lawhead can’t wait to see what next year brings and hopes to welcome many new faces.

“More people should come out and see how special Unified Flag is!” Lawhead said.