Madison Gil is a dynamic and determined athlete who plays wide receiver, defensive back, and safety for the NY Playmakers. With a love for competition and a passion for flag football, Madison has quickly made a name for herself through her skill, dedication, and leadership on the field. While she’s also talented in track and field, football is where her heart truly lies. From her early days playing on a co-ed rec team to now competing at an elite level, Madison continues to break barriers and inspire others with her work ethic and drive.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
Growing up, I was always trying new sports. I was a cheerleader for six years! My parents were signing up my little brother for flag football, and I asked them if I could play too. I started playing in 4th grade on a co-ed rec team. I immediately fell in love with the sport and knew that I wanted to go all in. My friend from school was on a travel team, and one afternoon, I was practicing on the same field they were on. The coaches thought I would be a good fit for travel, so my friend’s mom texted my parents and gave me the tryout information.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Flag football has taught me responsibility and dedication. It has helped build my character and has made me more organized as a person.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
To prepare mentally, I usually watch flag football clips on Instagram. I also listen to upbeat music to put me in game-ready mode!

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
A few days before a tournament or big game, I start to hydrate with Liquid IV. I do deep stretches a day before. I try to get in a training session a few days before, and I eat a healthy diet.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
My mindset is that we didn’t come all this way for nothing, so win or lose, I give it my all! It’s also important to have fun while playing! I make sure to always keep positive sportsmanship.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
Simone Biles, because I used to watch her when I was a little girl. She would always try new things, overcome fears, and give it her all while doing it.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay dedicated, represent myself in a good manner, and to have responsibility. It’s important to be well-rounded.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
My trainers work on specific aspects of my body and what I may need at the time. For example, I do speed/agility, catching drills, active recovery days, or anything I feel I need to work on at the time. My coaches give me helpful feedback after plays and games so that I can be the best version of me on the field.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
To me, representing my team means to play with respect. I show that I am grateful to be here. This means keeping a positive attitude on and off the field. You never know who’s watching!

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I bounce back after a tough loss or mistake by going to the gym to clear my mind and body. I review the mistake I made and try to perfect it. It’s important to keep going and not stay stuck on one play during the game.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
Being a travel player, I don’t really have an off-season. I am motivated by my family. I train with my little brother, and we push each other. I want him to look up to me.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
My dream school would be a D1 college in Florida. I am hoping that becomes a reality by the time I get to college! I want to play flag for my school and study to become a Physical Therapist or a Marine Biologist.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
When I’m not playing football, I love to go to the beach, take walks with my mom, go to amusement parks, shop, get Starbucks, watch movies, and tan!

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I handle pressure by remembering my routine and staying focused. I keep my composure and remember that we all deserve to be here on the field.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love to run a Post Corner route because I find it to be the best way to juke out your defender. They think you are going one way, when you are really going another.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
A long-term football goal I have is to get a college scholarship and go D1. A short-term football goal I have is to make my high school team once I get there!

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
To build chemistry with my teammates, we try to hang out off the field doing something fun. We want to learn more about each other.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
My advice would be to have fun, always remember who you are, and don’t be afraid to show your true personality! Always learn from your mistakes and have a positive attitude on and off the field, even if you are losing. Don’t be discouraged by what you see on social media; your only competition is yourself! Embrace this experience and be grateful to be there!

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