The Chesterton Girls’ Flag Football Team evened its season record at 2–2 after a dominant 40–6 win over the Gary Lighthouse Cougars at home on September 11.
One of the leaders on the field is senior Hailey Hostetter, who plays just about everywhere—quarterback, running back, wide receiver. An all-girls team has been a wonderful opportunity for her.
“I’ve always wanted to play football, but I didn’t want to deal with the guys,” Hailey said. “So once they announced flag football, I was excited, and I thought, I’m going to end up doing it even if I don’t know anyone.”
Hostetter’s favorite positions to play are quarterback and running back. She loves making long passes for touchdowns or first downs, and she excels on weaving through defenders when carrying the ball. One of her favorite memories of the season so far was scoring her very first touchdown as a quarterback by rushing it in under pressure.
Off the field, Hostetter is known for her signature game-day fit—two small Dutch braids pulled into a high ponytail—and her role as the team “mom” and hairstylist. “The day before games, I do everyone’s hair,” she said.
But what makes this team special, Hailey says, is more than just the plays or the wins- it’s the team vibe.
“Considering this is the first year, I feel that it’s going really well. From our first practice to now, everyone has improved a lot,” she explained. “The vibe is energetic. We know when to be serious, but we also know the right times to joke around. It’s drama-free, and everyone is friends.”
Hailey shares a special bond with teammate Asia McClelland, her best friend of three years and fellow bowler on the CHS team. Together, they keep the atmosphere light and inclusive. Team bonding days often involve food, pictures, TikToks, and plenty of laughter.
Even in tough games, the Trojans never lose their spark. “Even during the games we lost, we never got down,” Hostetter said. “We kept the energy up. We don’t take our losses to heart. We’re having fun. This is our first year; we don’t need to win everything.”
Hostetter, who also bowls and has played soccer and softball for CHS, as well as basketball and cross country for Hebron, plans to continue bowling in college while studying physical therapy for animals. Right now, she’s focused on leading her team through the rest of the season.
With leaders like Hostetter at the helm, Chesterton’s girls’ flag football team is off to an inspiring start in its inaugural season.
Come see the girls take on Valpo on Monday, Sept. 15 at home at 630pm.
