CEDAR CITY — The Iron County Phoenix, a newly organized tackle football team for teenage girls, is seeking players interested in joining their ranks.
Coach Chris Sorenson said he and fellow coach Patrick Dotson started the program earlier this year in order to provide young women in the community with the opportunity to participate in competitive American football.
“The team aims to empower young women through the sport of football, promoting teamwork, leadership, and athletic excellence,” Sorenson said in a written email, adding, “By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the team strives to build not only skilled athletes but also confident and resilient individuals.”
Cedar City News caught up with the team at a couple of its recent practice sessions at South Elementary School in Cedar City.
The team currently has 15 players from ages 14-18 on its roster, comprising students from Cedar, Canyon View and Parowan high schools.
“The team welcomes new players who are passionate about football and eager to be part of a dynamic and supportive group,” Sorenson said.
So far, Sorenson said the Phoenix have played scrimmages against a girls team from St. George as well as a 7-on-7 flag football matchup against boys from Cedar City.
On June 8 in Orem, the Phoenix played a scrimmage game against Riverton, the reigning girls football state champions from the Northern League.
“We will scrimmage any team that wants to play,” Sorenson said.
The Phoenix’s quarterback is Julia Kay, a junior at Canyon View High who has two individual state wrestling titles under her belt, along with a national championship.
Meanwhile, Cedar High School junior Lily Dotson, who is coach Patrick Dotson’s daughter, plays both halfback and linebacker for the Phoenix. In addition to wrestling for Cedar High for the past two years, Lily Dotson has also served as a manager for Cedar’s boys football team, supporting players on and off the field. Earlier this year, she spoke during an Iron County School District school board meeting and requested that the board consider providing funding for girls football equipment.
Joining Dotson in the backfield at fullback is Kenna Garver, another wrestler who is now a senior at Cedar High.
Tackle Jerri Togiai, who moved from West Valley City to Cedar City a year ago, has also been making her mark as a wrestler for Cedar High. She also plays volleyball and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Tackle and backup quarterback Judy Carballo is a senior at Parowan High, where she is also on the boys football team’s roster as a tackle and guard for the Rams.
Sophomore receiver TaKyera Taylor, a Cedar City native who previously lived in Newcastle, participates in a diverse array of sports and extracurricular activities, including soccer, theater, wrestling, rock climbing, mountain biking and drawing.
Sophomore guard Karissah Haymore, commonly known as Charisma, is also a member of Canyon View High’s wrestling team. She is interested in pursuing a career in the military.
Tayana Hernandez, who previously wrestled at Cedar High but is switching to Canyon View for her senior year, loves animals and is active in FFA (Future Farmers of America).
Other current team members include junior wing Serenitee Bushnell, junior receiver and safety Camila Duran, senior tight end Dauvenay Harris, senior receiver/safety Jasmine Pohlsander, senior guard Adrina Sierra, junior safety/tackle Ivy Kahler and junior cornerback/wing Brook Barney.
Sorenson said the Phoenix team is poised for a bright future and welcomes new players. He added that if there’s enough interest, they may decide to later add a junior varsity team of girls age 11-14.
Community members are encouraged to support the team by attending games, volunteering, and contributing to fundraising efforts, Sorenson added.
Those who may be interested in signing up or who have questions about the program are encouraged to contact either of the coaches: Patrick Dotson at 435-238-0399, Chris Sorenson at 435-830-4725, or visit the team’s Facebook page.
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