PALISADES HIGH SCHOOL
The High School Female Flag Football Team of the Year Award honors a local area female flag varsity football team that has excelled on the field and in the areas of scholarship, sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership.

The recipient of the 2025 High School Female Flag Football Team of the Year Award is Palisades High School. The Lady Pumas have quickly become one of the premier programs in the region since the introduction of girls’ flag football in CMS. Under the leadership of Head Coach Reggie Cespedes, the team has built a foundation centered on discipline, accountability, and unity. Their approach to improvement—season by season and practice by practice—has defined their identity.

On the field, Palisades has become a powerhouse. The Lady Pumas are back-to-back CMS League Champions, finishing the 2023–2024 season undefeated at 14–0, allowing only 43 total points, and continuing their dominance in 2024–2025 with a 12–1 record. Their success carried beyond league play—Palisades also won the Carolina Panthers Regional NFL Flag Championship, earning the opportunity to represent North Carolina and the Panthers at the National Tournament in Canton, Ohio. Their achievements are the result of trust, precision, and relentless preparation

Many members of the program are multi-sport athletes, bringing a wide range of speed, coordination, and competitive experience that elevates the team’s overall level of play. The Lady Pumas draw talent from across the athletic department, with players also competing in track and field, basketball, volleyball, softball, and cheer, demonstrating both versatility and commitment. Their leadership extends beyond athletics as well. Team members are active in organizations such as National Honor Society, Student Council, Black Student Union, Student Athletic Advisory Council, and JROTC, where they serve in roles that promote scholarship, representation, and community engagement.

Sportsmanship has been a defining value of the Lady Pumas’ program. In two complete seasons, the team has never received an unsportsmanlike penalty, a testament to the culture Coach Cespedes has established. Celebrations are encouraged, but they are always respectful, positive, and directed toward uplifting teammates—not opponents or officials. Players are also encouraged to become youth flag officials, giving them a greater understanding of the game and reinforcing respect for rules and leadership. This strong moral foundation has made Palisades a respected opponent across the league.

The Lady Pumas excel off the field as well. With a 3.53 team GPA, they demonstrate the academic discipline expected of true student-athletes. The team is also active in the community—volunteering monthly for campus clean-up, working concession stands, and assisting with the annual youth flag football clinic for children ages 6 to 15. These activities reinforce responsibility, service, and mentorship, helping the players develop into leaders beyond athletics.

Female Athlete University and the Charlotte Touchdown Club are proud to honor Palisades High School as the recipient of the 2025 High School Female Flag Football Team of the Year Award.