Recently, Sophie Guitron, a senior at Mira Costa High School has been named the female national winner of the 2024 NFL Latino Youth Honors Award. This award celebrates Latino high school seniors who succeed in both academics and athletics, mostly in tackle and flag football. According to spectrumnews1.com, Guitron was nominated by the Los Angeles Rams and was selected from a pool of 59 candidates across the country. 

“I felt so shocked and grateful that I received the award,” Guitron said. “ It is a huge honor to be the recipient of an award that represents determination and the ability to persevere through hardship, specifically as a Hispanic woman.”

The award ceremony took place during the NFL Honors event in New Orleans, where Sophie was honored for her achievements on and off the field. As part of the recognition, she received $25,000 to support her college education. Additionally, Guitron took part in many events during Super Bowl week, like attending the Super Bowl and engaging in many other activities. 

“They look for Hispanic athletes that embody perseverance while excelling in academic and athletic performance, specifically in flag football and tackle football. The female winner is a flag football player while the male winner is a tackle football player.” Guitron said.

Guitron’s journey has been more than just becoming an amazing football player. At the age of 11, she had an open-heart surgery to correct a congenital heart condition. Pushing through, she returned to sports and became one of the best female players in flag football. She has represented the U.S. as a member of the 17U U.S. Girls’ Flag National Team, winning a gold medal at the 2024 Junior International Cup.

“Even though my heart condition has been fixed, I still struggle a lot with my arthritis condition, especially since my condition flared up in May 2024 after being in remission for years,” Sophie shared. “I struggle the most with joint pain, especially in the cold, but I have been able to figure out ways to distract my mind from the pain in order to keep playing.”

On the academic side, Guitron maintains a 4.22 GPA and is actively involved in her community. She participates in volunteer work, holds programs promoting health and education, and serves as a youth coach, inspiring the young boys and girls athletically heading in her direction.

“Growing up, I didn’t have female flag football athlete role models like I do now,” Guitron said. “So, I would say that playing recess football with boys at lunch really sparked something in me to actually pursue the sport. I enjoyed every moment and I never found anything else that could replicate that feeling of excitement and passion I had for flag football.”

Guitron is set to attend Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida in the Fall, where she will continue to play flag football on a scholarship.

“I plan to finish a great season with my club team, Conquer Chargers, as we have high hopes of performing well in the NFL Flag Championships in July 2025. I also committed to play flag football at Keiser University, located in West Palm Beach, Florida. I plan on majoring in Sports Management to pursue a profession that works on advocating and growing the sport of flag football for girls globally,” Guitron said.

Sophie Guitron’s recognition underscores the importance of perseverance, community involvement, and academic excellence. Her achievements are an example to young athletes throughout the country.