Club of the Month - CSIAWOLVES

In the summer of 2023, a new passion took root on the field — flag football. Through determination, teamwork, and an unshakable spirit, the CSIAWOLVES flag football team was born.

What started as a few friends playing catch quickly grew into a team with a shared dream. Vice Captain Hyunwoo Park (‘24) said he was drawn to flag football because of the unique bond it created — five players moving as one, trusting each other to push forward toward the endzone or defend their territory. It wasn’t just about athletic skill; it was about connection, trust, and unity.

In an interview with the founding members, they shared how the experience shaped them both on and off the field. "At first, we didn’t even know all the rules," recalls Hyunwoo, "but the excitement of learning and growing together fueled our drive and passion." Vice Captain Justin Moon (‘24) echoed the importance of perseverance: "We lost a lot in the beginning, but every defeat taught us something new. It made us closer as a team."

The early days were anything but easy. Lacking knowledge of the sport’s rules or strategies, the team faced heavy losses in their first competitions. But instead of giving up, they used those experiences as stepping stones. Training sessions became more serious, plays were carefully crafted, and practices were held diligently. Slowly, a casual band of friends transformed into a structured team of nearly 40 members strong.

Without official school support — no buses, no dedicated coaches, and little funding — every step forward was earned through grit. Equipment was bought with personal savings, tournaments were attended without the comforts many other schools enjoyed, and skills were self-taught through endless trial and error. Yet, this lack of support only strengthened the teams' sense of ownership and pride. According to center and coach Jaeho Jeong (‘24), “Our passion for flag football and unconditional support for each other propelled us to great heights.” 

The Wolves later encouraged the creation of a girls' team, the Ravens. Although the idea started as a playful suggestion, it quickly became a serious project. "There weren’t many examples for us to follow," said Captain Yoonseo Lee (‘24), "we had to figure everything out ourselves, but that made every small success feel even bigger."

The journey wasn’t without setbacks. Crushing defeats against rival schools and the constant pressure of building something from scratch tested their resolve. But through every loss and every obstacle, the Wolves and Ravens grew stronger, united by the belief that flag football was more than a sport — it was a team, a family, and a dream worth fighting for. "Finishing second in two competitions in a row was tough," says Captain Jiho Shin (’24), "but with the support of my teammates, we kept pushing—and consecutively took the crown in the 2024 season."

As the graduating class passes the torch to new players, they leave behind more than just victories and memories. They leave a legacy — proof that with heart, resilience, and teamwork, even the smallest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.