Between girls flag football and unified basketball, senior Kira Carlson has a busy winter sports schedule at Bellingham High School.
Carlson was the starting running back and defensive back for the flag football team, leading Bellingham to its first victory in program history over Ferndale Jan. 15.
“I love team sports and love being out here with some of my soccer teammates, as well as some new girls who have never played sports before,” Carlson said.
Carlson joined the flag football team because she used to watch football growing up and would play with her brother and his friends.
“It is a cool experience that girls can play football, even though it is considered a boys sport, and it is cool they brought flag football into the school,” Carlson said.
Besides playing flag football this season, Carlson is also a partner for Bellingham’s unified basketball team. As a partner, Carlson’s roles include rebounding, passing and supporting her teammates throughout the basketball season. Carlson is one of 84 students in Whatcom County participating in the unified basketball season.
Carlson was also a key contributor to the girls soccer team this season. The second-team all-Northwest Conference defender led the Bayhawks’ defense to allow an average of one goal per game and helped Bellingham place fourth in the 2A state tournament. She scored one of three goals against Pullman to help her team reach the state semifinals.
When the winter season ends, Carlson will look to defend her 2A state doubles title in tennis. She won the title with her teammate Ella Morrow last season. Carlson has yet to decide what sports she wants to continue playing when she goes to college. For now, she’s just glad for all the memories she’s created while playing on multiple Bellingham teams.
“I am super grateful for this experience and looking forward to the rest of the season,” Carlson said.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
