Lelani Dawnielle Lito is a dynamic and passionate athlete who plays for Cypress College, where she takes on multiple roles including wide receiver, center, linebacker, and safety. Her journey in football started with a simple joke between friends, but it quickly turned into something much more meaningful. With a strong work ethic, a love for the game, and support from her coaches and family, Lelani has embraced the growing world of flag football and 7-on-7, building her identity both as a leader on the field and as an inspiration off of it.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
Me and my friend always joked about joint out high schools tackle football team. therefore when they offered flag football as an option I joined with no hesitation.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Playing in elite flag football programs have helped shaped my identity as a player by one strengthening my work ethic, self discipline, and accountability by making sure i get my workouts, practices, and good reps in to better myself and my team. It also has helped my confidence on and off of the field.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
To prepare mentally for big tournaments, I remind myself that I’m here for a reason. I’ve put in the work, and I have the skills to succeed. I focus on trusting my preparation, sticking to what I know, and performing at my best. Before game time, I go over our defensive and offensive schemes to make sure I fully understand every part.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I get everything ready the night before, making my morning smooth and focused. When I wake up, I brush my teeth, get my water and breakfast, then put my uniform on. I double check that I have everything I need before heading out. My hype music sets the tone, ranging from island reggae and reggaeton to rap and R&B.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
My mindset stepping onto the field is to win and have fun. While I am super competitive, I remind myself that I love this sport and want to enjoy it every chance I get.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
My passion for the sport drives me the most. I always want to do better than I did last season or even the day before, so off-seasons are never really off. If I’m not training, I’m doing workouts. During intense training periods, I remind myself that I’m already doing more than I could when I first started. I try to focus on the progress I’m making instead of the temporary pain.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
I believe my biggest influence on and off the field is my mom. For a while, she raised us as a single mom and worked incredibly hard to keep me and my brother active and happy. She has an unmatched drive and work ethic that she has instilled in me, and I carry that with me in the classroom, in the workplace, and on the field.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
The most important lesson I’ve learned through flag football is that how you carry yourself matters and impacts everyone around you. If you hang your head, beat yourself up, or mentally check out during a game, it affects the whole team—whether it’s their attitude or your performance. Cheering on your teammates, even when the score is 42-0, still leaves a lasting impact.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
My coaches at Valencia High School have impacted my development immensely. They saw my potential, pushed me beyond it, and continuously encouraged me to grow my skills. They helped me fall in love with this new, up-and-coming sport by sharing their passion with me. I would not be where I am today or who I am today without them.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
Being able to represent my high school or club team in flag tournaments and All-Star games is indescribable. It feels like a stepping stone that proves I’m getting better. Representing them is a way of saying we did it—that all the hours spent in tough practices, long training days, and analyzing film are making a difference and taking me places.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
Bouncing back after a mistake in a game is extremely hard, but my coach engraved the saying “next play” into my head. If I dwell on my mistake for too long, it affects the plays that follow. Instead, I take the mistake, figure out what I need to do to correct it, and apply that to the next play. The same mindset applies to entire games.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
My drive to get better and be the best I can be is what keeps me motivated during off-season.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
My dream school is Oregon University or Hawaii University. It would be an honor to play flag football at a competitive D1 level, but more specifically the schools would be an immense honor.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
Just like anyone else, I hang out and go out with family and friends. Our adventures range from staying home playing board games and watching movies to going to the beach or taking trips both in and out of the country.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
My coaches and parents have given me nothing but support and encouragement. Whether it’s extra reps, long drives to tournaments, showcases, or games, or advice on how I can improve, they’re always there to help me without hesitation.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
When high-pressure situations come, I take it play by play. I keep the situation in mind but focus more on the player or play right in front of me. I try to block out the pressure and just play my game.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
My favorite route to run is a 10-yard drag from the center. That’s a play my QB and I always connect on. My favorite coverage to play is man because it pushes me to use my skills and stay locked on one player, even if they run all the way across the field.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
My short-term football goals are to win as much as I can with my college team. My long-term goals are to hopefully play for the national USA team and possibly compete in 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 just being myself and staying open. Sharing laughs and helping each other has been the quickest way to connect.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
My advice to younger players who want to join a flag football program is to go for it. There’s everything to gain and nothing to lose. This sport helps you both on and off the field, and I can personally attest to it bringing some of my favorite relationships.

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