Meet Siannah Rios, the starting quarterback for Bear Creek High School’s flag football team. A multi-sport athlete who previously played basketball and softball, Siannah discovered her passion for football after watching other girls compete in flag football. Inspired and determined, she decided to give it a shot—and hasn’t looked back since. Now leading her team on the field as QB, Siannah continues to grow as both a player and a leader, representing Bear Creek and Stockton with pride and confidence.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I’ve always played football like catch and throw, but I never played on an actual team. I wanted to try something new besides basketball and softball. Watching girls play flag football inspired me, and I knew I could be able to do it too.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Playing for Bear Creek has really helped shape who I am on and off the field. It’s made me more confident and helped me step up as a leader. I’ve learned how to communicate better and support my teammates no matter what happens in the game.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I prepare mentally by having a calm and focused mindset. I set little goals for each part of the game so I don’t get stressed out.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I like listening to “Who Want Smoke With Us” by Nardo Wick because it just makes me feel hype about the game and how I feel.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
When I step on the field, my mindset is all confidence, focus, and having fun. I’m always locked in and ready to give 100%, either in practice or the game.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
Even when the off-season hits or training gets tough, remember why you started. It’s not always about being perfect. It’s about showing up, pushing yourself, and improving every day. Whether you’re nailing those drills or just making it through a hard workout, every step counts. The grind may feel hard sometimes, but think about the game days when all that hard work pays off.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influence is my dad because he always pushes me to not give up and to be the best. On the field, he’s always there to tell me what I need to work on and how I did in the game. I take it in and work on what I need to fix.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to not give up, no matter the circumstances. No matter if we’re down 30, we still need to play the game like it’s 0–0. I’ve also learned that hard work will pay off. If you really put in the work in the off-season, you will see it in the games. It doesn’t matter if it’s later—the time will come and show.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
They impact my development by making me a stronger player and person, on and off the field.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means a lot to represent my school and Stockton. I want everyone to know how hard we worked for these moments and how bad Bear Creek wants to win. Representing Bear Creek flag football means a lot to me and our team.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I bounce back by going even harder in practice after a tough loss because I want to be better and do better.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
I want to show up on game day ready to dominate and prove that all the sweat and effort was worth it. The thought of helping my team win, making those clutch plays, and seeing the look on my teammates’ faces when we win it together—that’s what keeps me going. The off-season might not always be good, but it’s where the real growth happens.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I’d just love to play college flag football anywhere. That’s what I really want to do. My dream school is the University of Alabama.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I hang out with my friends and my family.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
My coaches helped shape who I am today. They always supported me throughout the season and helped me get better. They dedicate so much to our team, and I’m grateful they are our coaches. My parents always push me to be the greatest I can be. They are my #1 supporters always. I appreciate them so much for making me who I am today.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I handle pressure by staying calm and focusing on what I can control. I support my teammates and keep the energy up. I forget the mistakes and move on—there’s always a next play to do better.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love throwing deep balls because whenever one of my receivers catches the ball and scores, it gets me hype—especially if it’s a deep ball.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
My flag football goals are to play college ball and maybe even go higher—maybe even the Olympics.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
I build chemistry and trust with my teammates by bonding with them and hanging out. Even building our friendships off the field so that on the field we can be stronger.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
My advice for younger girls that want to join and play flag football would be just go for it! Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you’re nervous. Everyone starts somewhere, and the most important thing is to have fun.

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