By Jasmine Garcia
Contributing Writer
Khalia Dana isn’t just a standout player on the Gilbert Tigers flag football team; she’s the leader who keeps the team grounded and focused. As captain, she balances discipline with empathy and always connects to her teammates' needs, which has played a huge role in the Tigers' success this season.
“Leadership is huge,” Dana explains. “I’m vocal, and I’ll push my teammates when necessary, whether on the field or off it. The key is knowing how to communicate and keeping a positive dynamic.”
Her ability to lead came into sharp focus after a tough loss to Desert Vista. It was an unexpected defeat, and the frustration was evident across the team. Instead of letting the loss affect their season, Dana and the other captains gathered the team to discuss what went wrong and what they needed to fix. That turning point led to a string of victories, including a dominant 66-0 win over Maryvale and a 21-0 victory over Dobson.
Coach Brian Winstead describes Dana as a leader who rises to the occasion, particularly in high-pressure situations. He recalls a game against Casteel where Dana’s leadership helped rally the team during halftime.
“We were down, and Khalia stepped up, got everyone fired up, and told them, ‘Let’s make this happen,” Winstead says. “Her energy on the field and her attitude in the locker room brought us back into the game. Even though we didn’t win, she’s the reason we got back in it.”
For Dana, balancing the pressure of being a star player with the responsibilities of leadership comes naturally.
"I feel pressure in close games or when I’m not playing my best," she admits. "But I’ve learned to stay composed, take things one play at a time, and help the team however I can."
This approach has allowed her to maintain focus and deliver in critical moments, such as her 50+ yard touchdown run against Casteel, which tied the game and gave Gilbert a chance to win.
Her stats speak for themselves, as Dana leads the team in touchdowns and has made key plays throughout the season. However, for her, personal accomplishments take a backseat to team success.
“My stats matter because I want to be noticed as a player,” she says, “but what’s most important is where the team ends up. That’s what drives me.”
Winstead also highlights how Dana’s football instincts and relentless work ethic make her stand out on the field.
“She knows how to high-point the ball, and her ability to read the game sets her apart. She’s aggressive, and she plays every down like it’s the most important one,” Winstead says.
Beyond the field, Dana puts significant value on team chemistry. She’s played alongside many of her teammates for two years, and the bond they’ve built directly translates to their performance on game day.
“We’re a close team,” Dana says. “That connection off the field helps us execute smoothly during games. Positivity is key, even when things aren’t going our way, we focus on what we’re doing well and keep the energy up.”
One of her proudest moments came earlier this season when she intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown against Perry on their very first possession.
“That pick-six set the tone for the entire game,” she reflects. Despite moments like this, she’s always looking to improve her game, particularly her defensive skills. “I want to get better at reading quarterbacks and pulling in more interceptions,” she says.
As Dana looks toward the future, her ambition extends beyond high school football. She envisions herself playing at the collegiate level, though she’s still exploring where that might be.
“My ultimate goal is to play in the Olympics or on a junior national team while I’m in college,” Dana says. “Outside of football, I’m interested in commercial real estate and hope to become a broker.”
Winstead believes she has the potential to achieve those dreams. “Her football IQ, combined with her leadership, is going to make her a great player at the next level. I think she’s only scratching the surface of what she’s capable of.”
Beyond personal achievements, Dana takes pride in being part of the growing movement in girls’ flag football. The sport, once seen primarily as a male domain, is now gaining popularity among females, and she is thrilled to be part of that change. Dana is conscious of the fact that younger girls are looking up to her, and she embraces the opportunity to be a role model. The impact she’s having off the field, inspiring future athletes, is just as important to her as her success on it.
Off the field, Dana is just as competitive and focused. She has a few interesting quirks, like being left-handed when she shoots a basketball but right-handed for everything else. Before every game, she has a pre-game ritual: standing in the middle of the field, facing the goalpost, and taking deep breaths to center herself and get in the right mindset.
For Dana, flag football is more than just a sport, it’s a way to grow as a leader, inspire others, and chart a path for future generations of female athletes. As she continues to make her mark on the field, Dana’s vision for herself and the sport continues to evolve, aiming higher with each step she takes.
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