October is a month dedicated to strength — the kind that stands tall in the face of adversity, lifts others through compassion, and continues to fight even when the odds seem stacked against it. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, scoutSMART Recruiting wanted to honor student-athletes who embody that same unwavering resilience and courage, both on and off the field.
We asked high school flag football coaches across the country to nominate players who exemplify these values — athletes who not only compete with passion, but also inspire through their perseverance, leadership, and heart. From the many heartfelt submissions we received, three remarkable young women stood out as shining examples of strength and hope.
Meet The Inspiring Student-Athletes
Maddy Marquez – Shadow Ridge High School, Arizona
Inspiration, Leadership, and Legacy
For Maddy Marquez, strength began with a lesson learned inn kindergarten. Inspired by her teacher, Therese Rozowski — one of the first female crew members at Loyola Marymount University — Maddy learned early on what it meant to be confident both as a student and as an athlete. Two years later, Mrs. Rozowski lost her battle with breast cancer, but her influence remained.
Each October, Maddy honors her teacher’s memory by leading her team in raising awareness and sharing stories that keep Mrs. Rozowski’s legacy alive. Today, Maddy serves as ASB president, captain of multiple sports teams, and a board member for her high school district. Her leadership extends far beyond the field — she is a true model of what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and courage.
Jennifer Velasquez – Canyon High School, California
Resilience Through Adversity
As a sophomore varsity player, Jennifer Velasquez is known for her fierce competitiveness and unwavering consistency. Balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and leadership, she excels in the classroom while serving in ASB and multiple student clubs. On the field, she’s a trusted defensive captain who plays both offense and defense with heart and focus.
But Jennifer’s story goes far deeper than her stats. Living with her family in a small one-bedroom home, she has faced financial challenges with grace and determination. Her parents — who speak little English — never miss a game, recording every play and reviewing film with her afterward. Their love and support fuel Jennifer’s drive to become the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college.
Her perseverance in the face of adversity, her commitment to excellence, and her love for the game truly define the spirit of resilience scoutSMART celebrates this month.
Mia Carello – Foresthill High School, California
A Reminder of True Strength
Mia Carello embodies everything this month represents — determination, grit, and heart. On the field, she plays with purpose. Off the field, she inspires those around her to never give up. Her dedication to her teammates and community serves as a powerful reminder of what true strength looks like, especially during a month where we honor those fighting silent and visible battles alike.
Honoring Strength Beyond the Game
At scoutSMART, we believe recruiting is about more than stats and scores — it’s about character, heart, and the stories that shape who these athletes become. This October, as we stand in support of both Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness, we proudly celebrate Maddy, Jennifer, and Mia for representing the very best of what the game — and life — can teach us.
Their stories remind us that resilience isn’t just about overcoming challenges — it’s about using those challenges to inspire others.
💗 #scoutSMARTforHope | 💜 #scoutSMART
CaresVisit www.scoutsmartrecruiting.com to learn more about our mission and how we help athletes get seen, supported, and celebrated.
The above story is from scoutSMART
scoutSMART is an official partner with High School Football America and HSFA FLAG
