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!

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