Appleton West women's players insist their team can play on par with the Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – On June 20, 2025, the Green Bay Packers hosted their Third Annual Girls Flag Open at the Don Hutson Center, welcoming flag football teams from 10 Wisconsin high schools for a day of competition, skill-building, and empowerment. Among the standout moments was a powerful statement from Appleton West Junior Lydia Haumschild, who captured the spirit of the event with her bold declaration: “We can do what men can do, even more.”

The event kicked off with a skills challenge, testing athletes in speed, throwing accuracy, and agility, followed by round-robin games and single-elimination tournaments. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, celebrating the athletes’ achievements. For many participants, the opportunity to compete in the Packers’ indoor practice facility was a dream come true, amplified by the growing momentum of girls’ flag football nationwide.

Haumschild’s words echoed a sentiment shared by many at the event: gender should not limit athletic ambition. Speaking before taking the field, she emphasized equality in sports, saying, “Boys can do anything girls can do. Girls can do anything boys can do. So, anybody can play any sport.” Her teammate, Appleton West Senior Adaya Vallafskey, added, “It’s really cool that we’re all starting this. We’re excited to be invited here. It’s an awesome feeling.”

Ryan Fencl, the Packers’ Football Outreach Manager, highlighted the event’s role in advancing girls’ flag football, noting its rising popularity and the organization’s goal to see it become a sanctioned WIAA sport. “The feedback we get is that it’s so much fun,” Fencl said. “Teams and girls wish it was here sooner, so we’re trying to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible.”

The Girls Flag Open also featured a speech by Global Flag Ambassador Victoria Burgarella, known as Coach Vic, who inspired athletes with her trailblazing work as a coach and mentor. For participants like Haumschild, the event was not just about competition but about breaking barriers and building confidence.

Haumschild’s statement, “We can do what men can do, even more,” resonated as a rallying cry for the young athletes, reinforcing that girls’ flag football is not just a game—it’s a movement. As the Packers continue to champion this sport, events like the Girls Flag Open are paving the way for a future where women in football are celebrated for their skill, determination, and limitless potential.