Alexa Wilson becomes first Mainland student to receive a flag football scholarship

Nine Buccaneer athletes, including seven football players, signed with colleges.

  • By Michele Meyers
  • | 9:40 a.m. February 8, 2022
  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • Sports
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Tears glistened in Alexa Wilson’s eyes and her voice wavered as she began to read her college announcement speech. Friends and family encouraged her as she attempted to compose herself on stage in the Mainland auditorium. She passed the sheet of paper to her father, Scott Wilson, so he could finish reading it.

“Hi. I’m Alexa’s father,” he said as he began to read his daughter’s speech. “Last but not least, I’ve already thanked you for being a parent. Now I’d like to thank you for being my coach and pushing me to be the best that I can be. Dang. I’m about to cry. Because of you, I’m going to be good for life because you’re not just a flag football coach but a life coach and I love you for that.”

Wilson stood up and revealed she was wearing a Thomas University T-shirt where she will be playing flag football for the Night Hawks.

According to the university’s website, Thomas became the sixth school in The Sun Conference to add the sport and only the second in Georgia. The college’s inaugural NAIA flag football season begins this spring. 

Scott Wilson and Mainland’s athletic director Terrence Anthony emphasized academics when they took over the football program 12 years ago as head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively.

“She is the epitome of what a student-athlete from Mainland is. ... She is a pioneer for the rest of these young ladies to sign a flag football scholarship.”

TERRENCE ANTHONY, Mainland athletic director on Alexa Wilson

Alexa Wilson has been on every athletic field at Mainland since she could walk and will be wrapping up her senior year as a three-sport athlete in volleyball, soccer and flag football. She is the first student at Mainland High School to earn a scholarship to play flag football. 

Coach Travis Roland, who had seven football players sign college football scholarships on the day, reminded everyone that the co-mission of the Mainland football staff is to help players focus on academics, staying in school and graduating. After this year’s Signing Day, the total number of football players to have signed scholarships since 2002 has increased to 92.

“Don’t put all your faith in your coach,” Roland said. “Put it in this place. This place is amazing. Mainland High School has the ability to lift you and do great things for you if you do great things for it.”

 

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