March 21, 2025
Mackenzie Drake knows a thing or two about football. When she was younger, she was a cheerleader. But this high school junior has moved from the sidelines to the field, engaging with the sport in a hands-on way. Drake is a member of the State Championship Fremd High School Girls Flag Football Team. This past season was the first time that Girls Flag Football was an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sanctioned sport.
The Chicago Bears, who have been an active sponsor and promoter of Girls Flag Football, selected her as the “Week Nine Chicago Bears Girls Flag Football Player of the Week”. According to the organization she was recognized “for recording three sacks, consistently pressuring the opposing quarterback and showcasing her defensive skills, while demonstrating exceptional athleticism and determination during the first IHSA girls flag football state championship.”
As part of that recognition, the Chicago Bears donated $500 to the organization of Drake’s choice. She chose Palatine Park District’s athletics program.
“I remember playing catch with a group of young girls from the Park District’s Flag Football program before one of our home games,” Drake explained. “I think they deserve the chance to learn the game of Flag Football,” she said on her choice of Palatine Park District. “These girls deserve to keep learning.”
Drake grew up doing a variety of activities at the District and was recently recognized at a Palatine Park District board meeting. “It’s a true testament to the incredible impact the Park District’s programs had on Mackenzie as a young child,” said Dan Hernandez, the District’s Athletics Coordinator. “Seeing her now give back to our Girls Flag Football program is a powerful reflection of her remarkable character and the meaningful difference she’s making in her community.”
When the opportunity to play flag football arose in high school, Drake’s mom, Danielle and her coaches encouraged her to try it out. “I went to a camp at school with some friends,” she said. She made it through the tryouts and the team had their first organized practice in late August.
“I wasn’t expecting to win and all the recognition,” she said. From Palatine Police escorts to a televised championship game, to running across Soldier Field… twice, there have been plenty of new experiences for Drake.
“It’s a whole different perspective from the field,” she said. “Everyone was very athletic, and most players were multi-sport athletes who learned the game quickly,” she said.
Drake, who played middle linebacker, rusher, and defense has some advice for her younger self. “Never be scared to try something new, just keep trying.” Drake is also involved in track, which she currently participates in at her school Monday through Friday. On weekends she plays with a travel flag football team. Mom Danielle is proud…and a little tired. “It is a lot with the travel,” she said.
Being the “Flag Champions” wasn’t all about notoriety; it took some hard work along the way. “I was struggling with stopping in front of the QB to get the flag,” Drake explained. “I had to learn techniques that showed up on game day.” She suffered a few bumps along the way like a fractured finger, sprained wrist, and thumb injury.
One thing she is passionate about is how much fun it is on the field. “I am used to being in more solo sports,” she said. “I liked this because of the bonds you build – working together to win. Next year I hope we have the same energy.”
“Leave a Legacy” is a motto at Fremd High School. Mackenzie Drake has lived up to that motto and more – helping to give girls in Palatine their own chance to “take the field”.
For more information about Palatine Park District’s Girls Flag Football League visit:
