Gilbert, AZ – The Highland Hawks, Arizona’s top‑ranked flag football team, have a new national headline thanks to junior quarterback Lacie Nemchick. Nemchick’s cannon of an arm has propelled her to the front of the state leaderboard, averaging 332.8 passing yards per game through 11 contests and delivering 54 touchdown passes, eight rushing scores and only five interceptions.
College recruiters take notice
Nemchick’s production earned her a full‑ride scholarship from the University of Nebraska, making her the first Arizona flag‑football player to receive an offer from a Power‑Four program. The scholarship underscores the growing legitimacy of flag football as a pathway to Division I athletics and highlights the dedication of a student‑athlete who balances sport with a 4.5 GPA.
National exposure and elite training
Beyond the field, Nemchick was invited to the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, where she trained under Peyton and Eli Manning. A sports agency that specializes in name‑image‑likeness (NIL) marketing has also signed her, positioning her for future endorsement opportunities. The NFL’s official Instagram account amplified her profile by reposting a video created by her coach, which has amassed more than 7 million views.
Coach and teammates praise character
Head coach Kenny Golladay described Nemchick’s arm as “the real deal – you’ll see smoke behind it,” while also emphasizing her humility. “The first thing I noticed when I met her last year was humility,” Golladay said. Sophomore wide receiver Ela Witcher echoed that sentiment, noting that Nemchick “brings up other people and just makes them want to play just as well as she does.”
Multi‑sport talent and academic excellence
Nemchick’s athleticism extends beyond flag football. She also kicks extra points for the Hawks, ranks among the top basketball players in her class, and maintains a 4.5 GPA, exemplifying the balance of faith, family, and personal responsibility that our community values.
What this means for Gilbert and Arizona flag football
Nemchick’s achievements shine a spotlight on Gilbert’s youth sports programs and the broader Arizona flag‑football landscape. Her success demonstrates that dedication, strong family support, and a commitment to academic excellence can open doors to elite collegiate opportunities. As more schools recognize flag football’s potential, local athletes can look forward to expanded pathways to higher education and scholarships.
For parents and coaches in Gilbert and across Arizona, Nemchick’s story serves as a reminder that investing in youth athletics—while upholding Christian values and family principles—can yield both personal growth and national recognition.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
