Stockton’s Turf Elite uses girls flag football to build confidence and college opportunities

STOCKTON, Calif. — Girls flag football is quickly making its mark, and a Stockton-based program is helping lead the way. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, girls flag football is currently the fastest-growing youth sport in America. In Stockton, the Turf Elite program is developing some of the region’s top players while helping young women build confidence and pursue college opportunities. “It's been amazing. I love it. I've grown so much confidence," said Layla'Amon Foster, a senior at Franklin High School in Stockton. That confidence comes after Turf Elite recently won the Under Armour 7-on-7 tournament in Las Vegas. “We were the first NorCal club team to bring a trophy back to NorCal," said Turf Elite founder Ryan Walker. But the athletes say their goals extend well beyond football. “I'm the quarterback of Turf Elite. I have a 4.0 GPA, and I've got accepted into over 50 colleges," said Foster. Several players said the sport has helped create pathways to higher education and future careers. “I want to go to college to become a nurse," said Keira McCulley, a senior at Manteca High School. “I want to be a traveling emergency room nurse and a sexual assault nurse," said Gracie Hernandez, a senior at Bear Creek High School. “I want to be an orthopedic surgeon," Foster said. Players said the rapid growth of girls flag football has created opportunities they did not previously have. “To have an opportunity to go to college just for flag, that's amazing. All these girls have an opportunity to go to college," McCulley said. ADVERTISEMENT “There's so much support in girls flag football now. I'm blessed that these younger girls are growing up to be in flag football because they have so many opportunities in front of them," Hernandez said. Several Turf Elite players have already received college offers. “Arizona Christian, Nevada State, Hope International in LA, Simpson," McCulley said while listing schools that have shown interest. “Cedar Crest, Eureka College in Illinois, Grand Canyon University," Hernandez said. “Concordia University in Austin, Texas. With NAIA, I got ACU, Hope International," said Isabella Lacy, a senior at Pittsburg High School. Turf Elite was founded by Stockton native Ryan Walker, who said the program became even more meaningful to him after experiencing a stroke about a year and a half ago. “Thank God it wasn't my health, it was my stress. That's why I love coaching girls flag because it's so much more peaceful. So much more meaningful to me," Walker said. Walker said the program is built around character as much as competition. “We have a saying at Turf Elite. Talent will get you in the door. Character will keep you in the door," Walker said. Players said they hope their experiences inspire younger girls to chase their own goals. “You can be whatever you want to be. As long as you stay focused, determined, and you keep that same drive and passion," Foster said. “If you want something, don't let someone tell you, you can't," Hernandez said.