We Speak Football
From Snap to Touchdown: How Niah Reyes Plays the Game with Heart and Hustle

Niah Reyes is a rising star in the world of flag football, making her mark as a dynamic wide receiver, relentless safety, and explosive rusher for William Howard Taft High School and HTA. Known for her high football IQ, quick decision-making, and fierce competitive spirit, Niah has become a key playmaker on both sides of the ball. Her journey began at just 7 years old in a co-ed i9 Sports league, and since then, she’s turned passion into performance, leading teams to championships and proving she belongs at the elite level. Whether she’s snagging deep passes, locking down receivers, or breaking through defenses, Niah brings energy, focus, and pride every time she steps on the field.
What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I believe what inspired me was my dad. He put me in flag football at a very young age, in a co-ed league with mostly boys. I got involved with this league called i9 Sports in 2nd grade when I was 7 years old. In middle school, my dad coached my teams. In i9, we played a 7v7 format with a 7-yard rush and 3 flags. Once I started 6th grade, I joined the boys’ team at my school because they didn’t have a girls’ team. They started a girls’ team in 7th grade in a 7v7 half-field format, but I was unable to play because I fractured my ankle. I played one girls’ flag season in 8th grade and led my team to the championship game as a quarterback. After 8th grade, I started my high school flag career at Taft High School.
How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Playing in these 7v7 formatted programs really boosted my field awareness and decision-making. I believe it’s all about quick thinking and strategy. Being able to adjust was a big thing for me, which has made me a more versatile player overall.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I plan for big tournaments by visualizing. I like to visualize just simple things. For example, catching a deep pass and gaining yards. I visualize myself successfully doing things in a game. When you visualize good things happening, it helps you stay calm under pressure. It builds confidence. It’s like mental practice that gets you ready for anything.
What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
My pregame routine starts with stretching. After that, I do my receiver warm-up, making sure my routes are crisp and my hands are ready. My hype music always has to have a good beat to keep me pumped up. If I listen to slow or sad music, I’ll feel groggy. I usually go with rap, and sometimes reggaeton.
What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
When I step onto the field, I’m all about focus, confidence, and giving it my all. I like to think I am the best out there and believe that all the work I’ve put in is going to show. It’s about staying present, trusting my training, and leaving it all on the field.
How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I stay motivated by reminding myself that this will all be worth it in the end. I put in so much work that sometimes I do feel unmotivated, but knowing I’ll see real progress keeps me going. I also set clear goals for myself, mix up my training routines, and surround myself with supportive people.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influence off the field is my dad. He’s probably the most supportive and resilient person I know. I’d also say my mom—she’s super productive and hardworking, and she motivates me to be just as driven.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to not define yourself by your mistakes. I’ve learned to let things go and focus on being ready for the next play. As a freshman last season and going into my sophomore year, I know I have so much time to grow and get better.
How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
Coaches and mentors push me to improve and help me see things I don’t notice myself. They push me when I think I can’t keep going. Their advice and support have made a big difference in my development.
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 to represent my flag teams, Taft and HTA. It’s a chance to show what we’ve been working on and to represent our community with pride. It’s also a great opportunity to compete against top talent.
How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I remind myself not to dwell on the past. I try to completely let it go and refocus on the next play. The faster I can reset, the better I can perform.
What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
What keeps me motivated is knowing there’s someone out there working ten times harder. The thought of competing and improving drives me to keep going.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
My parents and coaches have taught me discipline and the importance of hard work. They’ve pushed me past my limits because they believed in me. That helped me grow a lot. They’ve also taught me how to be a good sport and a better person overall.
How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I try not to overthink things. Sometimes I need to completely disconnect from football for a bit. When I come back, I’m refreshed, excited, and ready for the challenge.
What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
I would say just go for it! It’s okay to be scared or nervous, and it’s okay to make mistakes—we’re all still learning. It’s a great way to build your skills, make new friends, and learn life lessons. Be ready to work hard and have fun!
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
We Speak Football
Reading the Field, Breaking Down Defenses, Leading the Future: Inside Jamari Walker’s Mindset

Jamari Walker is more than just a rising football talent. He’s a dedicated young leader with a relentless drive to be great in every area of life. From the moment he stepped on the field, Jamari showed an uncommon blend of poise, athleticism, and intelligence that set him apart from his peers. Whether he’s commanding the offense as a quarterback or breaking down film to sharpen his football IQ, Jamari approaches the game with maturity well beyond his years. But what truly defines him is his discipline and the balance he maintains between sports, school, and personal growth. With a structured routine that prioritizes academics and strong support from his coaches and mentors, Jamari continues to develop into a well-rounded athlete and person. His off-season work ethic, commitment to continuous improvement, and natural leadership make him a standout both on and off the field. As he trains, competes, and builds toward his goals, one thing is clear. Jamari Walker isn’t just preparing for the next season, he’s preparing to leave a legacy.

How do you balance training with academics and personal life?
For Jamari, balance starts with structure and support. We keep a consistent schedule that prioritizes school first. Academics are non-negotiable. Training sessions are built around his schoolwork and family time, not the other way around. We also make sure Jamari has time to just be a kid, whether that’s hanging out with friends, playing video games, or relaxing. It’s all about helping him grow not just as an athlete, but as a well-rounded young man.
Are you attending any camps or combines to gain exposure?
Yes, Jamari regularly attends top camps and combines throughout the year to sharpen his skills and gain national exposure. He’s competed in events like the RNR Top 100, where he earned MVP honors, and other elite showcases that bring together some of the best young talent in the country. These opportunities not only push him to compete at a high level, but also help him build relationships and get recognized by coaches and brands.
Who do you train with during the off-season? Do you have a mentor or trainer?
During the off-season, Jamari trains with a strong team that’s fully invested in his development. He works closely with Len Grant, his quarterback coach and head coach, who played the position himself and helps sharpen Jamari’s mechanics, leadership, and decision-making. On the defensive side, Roosevelt Martin, who played at a high level, mentors Jamari on reading coverages and understanding the game from all angles. He also trains regularly with a dedicated speed and conditioning coach to stay fast, explosive, and durable year-round. With this kind of support, Jamari’s always learning and leveling up.

How are you staying in shape during the off-season?
In the off-season, Jamari stays in shape by working consistently with Coach Roosevelt Martin, who handles his speed, strength, and conditioning. They focus on explosive movements, agility, and overall athletic performance to keep him game-ready year-round. Whether it’s drills, footwork, or recovery work, Coach Martin makes sure Jamari is not just staying active, but improving every week. The goal is to come back each season stronger, faster, and more prepared than the last.
What specific goals have you set for yourself before next season?
Before next season, Jamari’s focused on a few key goals. First, he wants to help lead his team back to the Super Bowl and bring home another championship. He’s also working on becoming the best leader he can be on and off the field by encouraging his teammates and setting the example. Staying a student of the game is a big priority too, always learning and getting better. But most importantly, he wants to keep having fun and enjoying every moment of the journey.
Are you working on any particular skills or techniques right now?
Right now, Jamari’s focused on getting better in every area of his game. Whether it’s footwork, throwing mechanics, reading defenses, or leadership, he’s always working to level up. He knows there’s always room to grow, so the goal is to sharpen everything, not just one skill, and become a more complete quarterback every time he steps on the field.

What part of your game do you think improved most last season?
Last season, the biggest improvements in Jamari’s game were his confidence and awareness. He really started to take control of the offense, make smarter decisions, and stay calm under pressure. His ability to read the field and understand what the defense was doing took a big step forward, and that helped him play faster and more confidently every game.
What lessons did you take away from last season?
One of the biggest lessons Jamari took away from last season is that preparation and mindset matter just as much as talent. He learned that every game won’t go perfectly, but how you respond, whether it’s bouncing back from a mistake or staying focused when you’re ahead, makes all the difference. He also learned the value of leadership, staying positive, and always putting the team first.
Is there a moment from last season that stands out to you?
The moment that stands out most from last season was the Super Bowl. All the hard work, practices, and ups and downs of the season led up to that game. Jamari stepped up as a leader and gave it everything he had. Being able to compete at the highest level and come out on top with his team was an unforgettable experience and it motivated him to work even harder for next season.
What motivates you to keep pushing during the off-season?
I want to be great.

How do you stay mentally sharp and focused when games aren’t being played?
Jamari stays mentally sharp in the off-season by staying locked in with film study, going over past games, and learning from both the good and the bad. He also works on his playbook, studies defenses, and talks through situations with his coaches. Off the field, he keeps a positive mindset by staying disciplined, setting goals, and surrounding himself with people who push him to be his best, even when there’s no game on the line.
Are you watching or studying any pro or college players for inspiration?
Yes, Jamari watches a lot of football and studies both pro and college quarterbacks for inspiration. He looks up to guys like Lamar Jackson for his playmaking ability, Cam Newton for his energy and leadership, and Peyton Manning for how he reads defenses and controls the game. He also watches Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders to see how younger QBs are dominating at the college level. He picks up little things from each of them to add to his own game.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
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