Sophomore, Jaylani Palmer plays as a wide receiver and safety on the Shadow Ridge Flag Football Team. Even though she’s a sophomore in high school, Palmer has been playing flag football since she was eight years old. Palmer has been instrumental in securing the success of the flag football program as a whole.

 “My dad signed me up for a flag football team, and I was actually playing with a whole bunch of boys,” stated Palmer. 

During her freshman year, Palmer crushed the previous school records with 22 interceptions and 36 touchdowns.

Palmer realizes that the way to win games is not only about her but the unity of her team.

Palmer stated, “My teammates inspire me, as well as my coaches, and mom and dad.”

Although she’s an offensive force to be reckoned with, Palmer surprisingly prefers defense. 

She stated, ”I enjoy playing safety because I have more control over myself and what I do in the game, because on offense I’m told what routes I have to run.”  

Not only does Palmer play for Shadow Ridge, she plays for a club team, the Apex Predators. She’s played for this team for 3 years and she plays the same positions, wide receiver and safety.

“I’m most excited to play against Desert Oasis, because I’m going to play against most of my club teammates. They will be very competitive because they won the 4A State Championship last year, and will move up to 5A this year. They will be really good.”

Palmer has high hopes for her future, intending on playing in college. It is rumored that Nevada State University will debut a women’s flag football team within the next 3 years; Palmer wants to be a part of that team. 

If her plans to stay in Nevada fall through, she wouldn’t mind playing in Florida, stating, “It’s really pretty out there and they have crocodiles.” 

As any athlete knows, a pregame routine is crucial to a successful game. 

Palmer stated her pregame ritual consists of, “listening to Rod Wave while I warm up to get focused and prepare mentally.”

Of course the back to back state champion flag football program wouldn’t be as successful without its amazing coaches. 

Matthew Nighswonger has been the head coach for the past 9 years. 

Nighswonger states, ”She’s a very integral part of the Shadow Ridge flag football team success, and you should also see her dance moves.”