MASSILLON, Ohio — Badin Excessive College defeated Willoughby South 40-16 Sunday afternoon to seize the Inaugural Ohio Ladies Excessive College Flag Soccer State Championship at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Badin (13-3) gained its first state championship within the sport in this system’s first 12 months.
“This title represents all of the exhausting work that the women put in,” Badin coach Mike Sebastian stated. “At Badin, we all the time have multi-sport athletes and this exhibits how a lot you are able to do if you come collectively. And this chance for women to take part in a sport they love is one thing that may take off. I’m simply joyful to be there originally.”
The Battle of Ohio match noticed Badin defeat Berkshire after which Mount Notre Dame main into the state ultimate. The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns labored collectively to prepare the statewide match.
“We’re pleased with the coaches and the women,” Badin athletic director Geoff Melzer stated. “Every thing fell into place from the start and for a first-year staff, their effort and dedication was particular. Thanks to (Bengals Director of Neighborhood Engagement and ladies flag soccer coordinator) Taylor Conklin and the Bengals group for all the pieces they do.”
Sebastian stated he and assistant coach Christy Even are grateful for this 12 months’s particular journey to a state championship.
“All of us needed to study all the pieces collectively,” Sebastian stated. “Christy and I had by no means coached flag soccer earlier than. We needed to study all the pieces with the women. And to cap off this journey by successful a state championship is a good accomplishment for the seniors and this system.”
The Badin athletic division stated the game continues to develop shortly and it could have sufficient student-athletes for varsity and junior varsity groups subsequent faculty 12 months. The varsity is wanting ahead to internet hosting its personal video games subsequent spring.
Badin opens a $15 million on-campus stadium beginning June 6. The Terry Malone Area in Lanni Household Stadium on the Matandy SportsPlex will host soccer beginning Aug. 15.
Bengals.com stated the 2025 season featured 350 student-athletes from 20 native colleges in Higher Cincinnati, up from six collaborating colleges in 2024.
The Bengals hosted Cincinnati’s Ladies Excessive College Flag Soccer Championship introduced by Secret at Paycor Stadium on Might 10. The highest 4 groups — Mount Notre Dame, Badin, Seton and Shroder — superior to Sunday’s Battle of Ohio State Championship.
The Ohio Excessive College Athletic Affiliation stated final week it’s exploring its choices for doubtlessly sponsoring ladies flag soccer.