Taryn Pak dominates both flag football and wrestling
Attended any girls flag football games this fall? Peep co-captain Teepreezy also known as Taryn Pak on the field. Pak, a senior, is playing as a defensive back (DB) and safety for Trojans’ first season of girls flag football.
Pak carried girls varsity flag football with only three losses throughout a season of 12 games. She built a defensive wall on the field averaging at least two tackles per game as a DB and safety, earning 20 tackles throughout the 2024 season.
Being co captain of girls flag football has made a very positive impact on Pak and her coaches.
“Flag football has made a really upstanding impact on me; it has made me a team player. My main sport is wrestling and though it’s a team sport it really is individual in a way,” said Pak.
“Taryn is always calling out which way the ball is going which is helpful for everyone else to know so we can cut the angle and stop the play,” said teammate Grace Lassalle.
Her favorite moment from the 2024 season was getting to know each player and bonding everyone together to create a team that can grow together, especially at defensive practices.
Pak is known for being a strong leader on the field and uplifting to fellow teammates.
“Taryn provides a sort of seriousness to the team. She balances out the personalities among the captains and keeps the team grounded and focused,” said senior co- captain Kiana Ayllon.
“I put in my full effort to make sure all of the girls are included as well as doing their best, I also step up whenever something needs to be said,” said Pak.
Not only is she captain of varsity flag football but also a part of the Trojans’ girls wrestling squad. Pak has been wrestling since sixth grade and has been wrestling on varsity all four years of high school.
Wrestling has shaped who Pak is as an athlete and has played a big part in her life.
“Wrestling made me realize how much more I have in me than I thought I did. It [wrestling] pushed me to my highest limits and has made me very strong,” said Pak.
“Taryn has been an important part of this team since her freshman year. Her positive attitude and confidence on the mat helps motivate her teammates throughout the season,” said Coach Sabrina Ross.
A favorite memory of hers from wrestling were the overnight tournaments held in Napa.
“Those tournaments were definitely my most memorable moments from my athletic career in wrestling, my teammates and I messed around in the Airbnbs the night before our matches,” said Pak.
As Pak is a graduating athlete her favorite moment as a senior was the recent win against Arroyo for senior night. “Senior night made me realize that time has passed. That night I also just felt so loved and happy that so many people supported me and I didnt even know,” said Pak
Pak left flag football on good note with an ending score of 32-6 against Arroyo. She will be cheering on from afar for Trojans’ upcoming seasons.
“I’m excited to see how flag football carries on as I graduate! I hope the team gets the funding it needs to continue growing and thriving,” said Pak.
I enjoyed reading this article about Taryn Pak and how she excels in flag football and wrestling. It is really impressive and not common that someone is able to do so well in both sports. Grace did a great job writing this piece and good luck to Taryn as wrestling season starts!
I’m very proud of Taryn and inspired by her athleticness. I became convinced to join wrestling this year because of the amount of people I knew in it and my interesting in contact sports. I’m very proud of our flag football team this year, we worked very hard to make it to where we went and I hope that future teams will make it even farther!
Wow Grace! You have grown so much as a writer, this is a really great story!