Da’Kyla Hall is a force on the flag football field, known for her leadership, versatility, and relentless drive to dominate. As captain of the Simeon Girls Flag Football team and a standout playmaker for HTA, she lines up wherever her team needs her—whether it’s at wide receiver, rusher, running back, cornerback, or middle linebacker. A proud recipient of both the Chicago Bears ChangeMaker Scholarship and the Simeon Alumni 1994 Scholarship, Da’Kyla represents excellence on and off the field. Her journey is fueled by faith, community, and the deep belief that every time she straps on her cleats, she has a purpose—to lead, to inspire, and to leave her mark.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
My coach, who is also my school counselor, came to me with the idea of playing flag football. I never played a sport in elementary school, so I was nervous. I became a full-on athlete my sophomore year. After the first flag practice, I knew this is where I belong.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Flag Football has done more for me than shaped my identity—this sport helped me find myself. When I lace up my cleats, I feel I have a reason, and that is to DOMINATE the game. This sport has helped me see things about myself that I would’ve never seen without it.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I pray and listen to music. “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
Do It Anyway – Erica Manson
My pregame routine mostly consists of talking to my teammates, seeing how they feel.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
DOMINATE THE GAME. NO ONE IS BETTER THAN YOU. MAKE YOUR MARK AND LET THIS TEAM REMEMBER YOU. I always want to be the player that when the other team goes back to discuss their game plan, they know about #9 Da’Kyla Hall.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
My village and mindset. A lot of times it’s mind over matter in the off-season—you have to WORK, and not just when you want, but constantly. My village always reminds me of who I am, and that makes me work harder. Also, being a winner of the Chicago Bears ChangeMaker Scholarship keeps me motivated. I know I have many to make proud.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influencer on and off the field is multiple people: Erin Pruitt, Tytannie Harris, and my mom. These 3 women have stuck with me through it all and always reminded me of the reasons I started. These women have shown amazing examples of women in the sports industry and I truly respect it. My coach Erin Pruitt never gave up on me. My coach Tytannie Harris always showed me the light at the end of every tunnel and gave me that boost of energy. My mom Erica Hall has always been in my corner supporting any decision I choose. Thank you!

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
“Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.” Whatever is thrown in your way, trust me—if you overcome it, your opportunities lie within.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
My coach built the foundation! In high school, I had 5 African-American women coaches. These ladies set the tone and standard. The dedication and love that came from them was like an incredible light no one can dull. These coaches helped build me into the player I am, and they’re building a legacy.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means a lot to me! I feel representation is the most important part. It shows what you learned and who you learned it from. Representing HTA and Simeon Girls Flag Football team—I just knew I had something in me.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I reflect on what I could have done better as a player and learn from it. As a captain, I check in with my teammates and coaches to see how we can dominate our next opponent. WE LEARN AS ONE!

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
Just the thought of knowing that I’m a part of something that’s becoming so huge—and a lot of people thought that women couldn’t do—keeps me grinding every day. Going to the girls’ practice during the summer shows me the legacy I’m continuing. That motivation is a different kind of feeling.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I don’t have a dream school, but I am extremely excited and committed to University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana!!

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I like to swim and chill, also hang out with my friends. Being an athlete is kind of hard—there’s a lot of things you’ll miss out on because you’re trying to get the work, and that’s OKAY. A lot of athletes struggle with not being there for the important moments, and I know because I’m one of them.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
My coaches and mom always motivate me. My coaches played a huge part because they helped me find myself on the field and off the field. Constant reassurance, energy, determination—they have it all! There’s nothing like a coach’s love that feels more like family. My mom always reminds me that no one will do it for me—I have to put in the work and time. She always showed me what a hardworking woman is, providing for me and my sister, and that’s something I will forever carry throughout my life.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
“Let your faith be bigger than your fear. This is another game, but you play 10x harder. Make your mark, Da’Kyla.” That’s what I’ll tell myself. The rest of my faith will always be put on my team.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love long routes—Go, Post, Corner, etc. My favorite overall would be a Go. The feeling of running straight and catching a ball over your shoulders and running for a touchdown is just a feeling I can’t explain. I love to rush! I love to be the reason why our opponents can’t score.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term goal for flag, I would say, is playing on the USA Football team, and long-term is playing in the 2028 Flag Football Olympics. I cannot wait to accomplish those two!

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
Being a friend first. As a captain, you’ll struggle with the times to be strict and be a friend—and I did both. My teammates were my friends first because we saw each other around school. I think the team chemistry was there since day one, especially because of our coaches. All we needed was a game.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
No matter what, try it first. Don’t go off of what you hear or see, but go off the feeling you get on the field. Remember, you are just as good as anyone else you play. Work hard, play hard, and dominate. Leave your mark—make them remember you.

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