Last Sunday, three key players from nations entering the women’s competition at the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships chatted about their hopes for the tournament in Finland on IFAF.TV. A replay of the live show can be watched here.
Vanita Krouch, quarterback of the reigning world champions USA, was joined by Kodie Fuller of Asia-Oceania silver medalists Australia, and by Ellie Thorpe of European champions Great Britain. All three shared their thoughts on the competition ahead.
Vanita on USA being the number one-ranked team in the world and arguably the team to beat:
“That we have a target on our backs all the time is what drives and motivates us. We know that anytime we step on the field, we have to play our best and people are going to bring their best game, So it's an honor, it's a lot of pressure but it's what we're built for, what we prepare for on and off the field and so we're ready.”
Kodie on aiming to break that US domination:
“Well, I think for us we don't have a lot of international flag football experience, so everyone is a threat to us. The US is someone to beat definitely but we got to go up against Japan and see the level that that they play at, and we know that USA and Mexico play at that level. USA, Mexico and Japan are definitely huge threats to us and some of the teams that we consistently watch and break down film on. They're what greatness looks like, so it's a good benchmark for us.”
Ellie on those top teams:
“I think we've all seen the US and Mexico on the world stage a few times now, but what's been great the last year is also seeing the continentals happening in Asia-Oceania and seeing all the different types of styles of play and things happening there. We're really excited to play likes of Japan and Australia and hopefully at some point come up against the US and Mexico. I think the European teams are also really competitive. We've obviously had a lot of experience playing each other and there's some really great athletes.”
Kodie on Australia coming up against USA in Group A:
“We’re mostly excited and nervous. I'd use those words simultaneously to play the US. We're on a on a good trajectory after Asia and I think if we want to be the best at some point we're going to have to play against the best. I guess we will see how we compare to the world number one both individually and as a team. We haven’t been playing flag football for that long, so it's new, but I think it'll be a really good opportunity for us to be exposed to that level and we're ready go to work.”
Vanita on Group A:
“I believe that on any given Sunday anything can happen. I just feel as long as myself and my team are prepared with film sessions and studies and practices and installs, we are going to be the toughest enemy. I respect all the countries I think everyone's going to bring their A-game and are playing at this elite level with this sport growing so quickly.”
Ellie on Great Britain being drawn into a potential ‘group of death against Panama, Czechia and Israel.
“I think it's the group of opportunity. I think anything could happen. We've all seen Panama at the World Games, but I know they've had a lot of change since. Our (offensive) coach Jack Reed was the head coach of Panama, so he has brought some experience from that team, and we've definitely got our eyes on some of the athletes. We know they can bring a really competitive game.
“Israel we've played several times in the past and they've been around for a long time so are a very experienced team and we're looking forward to seeing them. We haven't seen them play very recently, so I think that would be really exciting. We're close friends with Czechia. We actually went out to a training camp in Prague a few months ago and spent some time with them so we're looking forward to playing them again.”
Vanita on what it will take to win another gold medal:
“I think that the thing that kind of separates us and can make us gold medal contenders is that I feel like our athletes are very two-way player besides myself. My coach won’ let me play defense, which is fine, but all the other players are two ways. You can plug them in at a receiver spot, you can put them in at a safety. There’s the fact that we are so versatile on both sides of the ball and are able to adjust and communicate and learn on the fly.”
Ellie accepts the challenge:
“Bring it on! I would say probably talking about the GB team we've got a lot of playmakers, so in those really important moments they're going to make those catches, they're going to get those stops, they're going to clinch the win. And we've come back from being down so many times that I know they're all so determined to get the victory. You can throw any of these athletes on the field and I know they're going to give it 110%. I think that makes us quite special.”
Kodie on Australia’s chances:
“We're a country that has a lot of different sporting backgrounds and I think all of those different skills are going to really come in handy. We've got AFL and rugby players, ultimate frisbee players, and I think all of those skills are going to transfer across really well. Mentally we're really good at the moment. We've had some camps down at the Australian Institute of Sport and had some mental workshops. I think mentally is that's going to be one of our biggest strengths as well as being really hungry for it. We’ve been working hard and putting a lot into our preparation. We’re going to get off the plane and come out ready to fight.”
