Last weekend, history was made as the College of Staten Island Women’s Flag Football Team, in partnership with the New York Knights Flag Football Travel Organization and sponsored by New York Giants Flag, held its inaugural Staten Island Northeast Flag Football College Showcase. Nearly 100 female athletes from all around the northeast participated in the event which included a series of skills and drills.
During the showcase, the athletes were given the chance perform in front of eight colleges that were tuned in via live stream provided by Predator Productions. Another three coaches were in attendance to watch the athletes in-person during the event which served a similar role to the widely-scouted NFL Combine. Toward the end of the showcase, New York Giants wide receiver and punt returner Gunner Olszewski made an appearance and talked to the participants, took photos, and signed many items for nearly every athlete present. Gunner also remained present as a source of encouragement for the athletes during the last few drills.
Following the showcase, the field was set for the first-ever Women’s Flag Football college game in New York. The Dolphins took on the Villa Maria Vikings (Buffalo, NY) in back-to-back 5v5 matchups. In game one, CSI dominated from the opening whistle while their defense held steady in a 35-0 victory. In game two, it was the Vikings who stormed ahead, 12-0. However, CSI remained composed and the Dolphins climbed back to tie the game. From here, it was another dominant effort in the second half en route to a 35-12 game two Dolphins win. The wins are CSI’s first in Women’s Flag Football program history. Across both games, Dolphins quarterback Kimberly Kravar completed 29/45 passes (64.4%) for 389 yards and threw for four touchdowns while also perfect in extra point conversions. Wide Receiver/Safety Victoria Brescia tallied 10 receptions for 143 yards, and two touchdowns (one rushing). Center/Safety, Gia Esposito led the team in receptions with 11 for 116 yards and three touchdowns, plus an interception. Running Back/Blitz Francesca Cusenza tallied four receptions for a total of 103 yards with three touchdowns (two rushing). Cusenza was also vital on the defensive end with nine flag pulls, an interception, and a defensive touchdown. It was Dolphins middle linebacker Hailey Caruso who led the team’s defense to the tune of 16 flag pulls, multiple defensive stops, and one interception.
Dolphins Flag Football Head Coach Frank Jennaco viewed the event as the beginning of something special as Women’s Flag Football continues its growth in the state of New York and at the College of Staten Island. “This showcase marks the beginning of an era in New York college Flag Football,” said Jennaco. “We were able to lay the foundation for collegiate flag football in our area. These girls have been working hard for months, and our coaching staff, along with amazing support from the Athletics Department, has been working hard to get this sport off the ground. It all came together last weekend and culminated in the first pair of victories in CSI history. I couldn’t be more proud of each player and supporter who helped us get to this point, but the job has only just begun. We have a long way to go and a bright future ahead!”
The team will continue to practice each week and seek competition before the flag season ends in late-May. For highlights and more please follow the CSI Dolphins Women’s Flag Football Instagram at csidolphins_wflag or check out their landing page here! Female CSI students interested in joining the team should email Salvatore.caruso@csi.cuny.edu.
We look forward to next year’s event while we continue to build towards a full-fledged college program come the 2025 Flag season! We thank all of our staff, volunteers, coaches, parents, and fans for coming out. A special thank you goes out to our sponsor, the NFL Giants Flag, and Gunner for coming out. Last but certainly not least, we could not have done this without our partners, The NY Knights. Thank you all, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
GAME VIDEO
– Story Courtesy of CSI Athletics
