In a groundbreaking moment for White County High School, CallieAnna Griggs became the first female athlete from the school to sign a National Letter of Intent to play flag football at the collegiate level.
Griggs, who will enter her second year of playing flag football, initially joined the team as a junior for fun.
“I played volleyball my whole life and thought I would pursue that in college,” she said. “But after realizing that my height might hold me back, I decided to give flag football a try. I was shocked when Coach Miller from Cumberland University reached out with this opportunity.”
Having previously participated in powder puff games, Griggs found the transition to a real team invigorating.
“It’s completely changed my high school experience,” she said, reflecting on how the addition of the flag football team has impacted her life. “I went from thinking it was just a fun activity to realizing that this could lead to college opportunities.”
As a versatile player, Griggs took on a variety of positions in White County’s inaugural flag football season. As a junior she spent time as quarterback, running back, and defensive back, demonstrating her adaptability on the field.
“Of course, I want to win, but I also want to help younger players see that they can pursue college sports,” she said. “I aim to grow the sport here at White County and encourage more girls to get involved.”
Looking ahead to her college journey, Griggs is excited about the new friendships and experiences that await her.
“I come from a small town where everyone knows each other, so I’m looking forward to meeting new people and exploring different cultures,” she said. “I’m also eager to improve my skills and get in shape.”
Griggs will use her athletic scholarship to pursue studying early childhood education, a field she’s passionate about.
“I’ve been involved in an early childhood education program at school, and I’m excited to pursue that further in college,” she said. “I want to make a positive impact on young lives.”
As she prepares for this new chapter, Griggs expressed her gratitude to her family, coaches, and teammates.
“My parents have been incredibly supportive, investing their time and resources in my sports journey,” she said.
While her time on the football field hasn’t been long, her parents have supported her variety of athletic endeavors from volleyball to softball to track and now flag football. Griggs said that every coach in every sport has had a part in shaping her future.
“I’m thankful to all the coaches who have contributed to my growth as an athlete and a person,” she said.
With her signing, Griggs not only paves the way for herself but also sets a precedent for future generations of female athletes at White County High School.
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