Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Amityville girls flag football team is wrapping up a season marked by progress, passion, and promise for the future.
While coach Bill Maisel admits they may fall just short of its ultimate goals this season, there's no denying the strides that have been made. “It’s gone okay,” said Maisel. “We’re not going to finish where we hoped, but we’ve had more wins this year than in the history of the program.”.
That improvement is no accident. This Warriors’ squad has benefitted from a strong group of seniors who have been with the program since its inception. Quarterback/safety Alana Henry and wide receiver/linebacker Erin Kreuder have not only grown into leaders but have helped shape the culture of the program. “We’ve gotten more consistency,” said Maisel. “We have a bunch of seniors, so the leadership, chemistry, and understanding of the game have improved so much.”
One of the biggest challenges in girls flag football is most players don’t come in with a background in the sport. “They didn’t play pee wee football like the guys,” Maisel said.
That’s where the leadership from players really makes a difference. Seniors like Henry, Kreuder, Nevaeh Hankins, play key roles in mentoring newcomers, bridging the gap between raw athleticism and football IQ. “Sometimes we as coaches will use football terms that some of our players don’t understand,” said Maisel. “That’s where the leadership of our captains comes into play as a huge help.”
Amityville’s final record was 5-10-1. The five wins were against Center Moriches (12-6), Wyandanch (20-2), East Hampton (21-6), Smithtown Christian (21-6), and Riverhead Charter (26-0).
The blend of experience and new talent has created a dynamic roster. Juniors Jaelle Aikan and Anayah Hampton have emerged as first-year contributors, while junior newcomers Beverley Polelomon and Pauvy Morales are proving their potential. Sophomore Anna Marie Gomez, who is a second-year player, along with seniors Sydney Carter and Imani Brown, continue to add depth and heart.
Maisel and assistant coach Jason Epps have been instrumental in turning that depth into results. Epps, who handles the defense, has helped lead Amityville through several tight, low-scoring games thanks to disciplined and aggressive defensive play. “His defense has been on point,” Maisel said. “It’s the reason we’ve won as many games as we have.”
But for Maisel, success isn’t just about this season. It’s all about building something that lasts. “Our goal is to build a program, not just a team,” he said. As a teacher in the district, he’s already scouting future talent, jotting down names of promising girls in elementary school. That long-term vision, paired with the foundation laid by this year’s group, sets Amityville up for a bright future in the growing sport.
In just a few short years, Amityville has gone from learning the basics to building a competitive program with real momentum. Thanks to strong leadership on and off the field, this program is no longer just getting started. It’s on the rise.
