National Football Foundation Honors Inaugural Girls Flag Football Scholars

Sophia Farrar already had football in her blood. Her brothers earned National Football Foundation scholarships before her. Her father has long been involved with the organization. Sunday, standing inside Tournament House, she became the latest in a family line of honorees — and found out she was going to the Rose Bowl. 

“This scholarship means everything to me,” the Charter Oak High School senior said. “It just means the world.” 

Farrar was one of four young women surprised with $500 scholarships and tickets to the 2027 CFP Quarterfinal at the 113th Rose Bowl Game during the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation’s inaugural Scholar-Athlete Awards in Girls Flag Football. She was joined by Michaela Aston of Alhambra High School, Reagan Herrmann of Glendora High School and Alina Valdivia of Montebello High School. 

Aston captured the room’s emotional tenor with characteristic humor. 

“I was surprised to say the least,” she said, then grinned. “I think I could sum it all up into my dad started crying — oh, he might kill me for saying that.” 

The Sunday afternoon reception at the Tournament of Roses Association headquarters drew 28 San Gabriel Valley seniors, their families, coaches and a pair of Olympians. 

Each nominee received a commemorative plaque from chapter board members Mason Bryant, Brian James and Anna Park. The honorees represented some of the region’s most competitive programs, coming from West Covina, Monrovia, Bishop Amat, San

Dimas, Covina, Bonita, Workman, St. Lucy’s, El Monte, La Cañada, Garey, Nogales, Sierra Vista, Wilson, Westridge, La Serna, Sonora, Northview, San Marino, Rosemead, Temple City, Schurr, San Gabriel and Rowland high schools, alongside the four scholarship recipients. 

Chapter President Tony Ortega told the honorees their work was just beginning. 

“You are the leaders,” Ortega said. “When you go back to your school on Monday, you need to let the younger classmates know what this is about. You are a positive role model for seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students who will look to you for your leadership.” 

Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan, whose organization has long partnered with the NFF in support of scholar-athletes, said the afternoon reflected something larger than trophies and checks. 

“Moments like this are what community is all about,” Madigan said. “You see the pride, the support and the hard work behind every one of these students.” 

The ceremony also featured two athletes who know something about performing on the world’s biggest stages. Samantha Dirks competed for Belize at the Tokyo Olympics. Gia Trevisan represented Italy in both Tokyo and Paris. Both now work with the Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee for Los Angeles 2028, and both took time Sunday to speak to a group of young women just beginning to understand what their achievements might lead to. 

The NFF has been handing out scholarships since 1959, with more than $10.9 million awarded to date. Sunday was the first time girls flag football had a seat at the table in the San Gabriel Valley — and if the tears, the laughter and the stunned faces were any indication, it won’t be the last.