South Middlesex Times

Allison Gandlin, a sophomore at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, views flag football similarly to her engineering coursework: as a problem-solving exercise.

The Staten Island, N.Y., resident has demonstrated her problem-solving skills on the field. In February, she was named one of two NFL Flag Football Players of the Year (the other being Ryder Noche from Arizona). The two were honored during the 13th annual NFL Honors in Las Vegas on Feb. 8.

In July, Gandlin played for the Staten Island Giants flag football team, which won the NFL Flag championship in the girls' 18 and under division against the Apex Predators of Las Vegas at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Later that month, Gandlin and her younger sister Valerie played together on this winning team.

“We weren’t the favorites to win,” said Allison Gandlin, an Honors College student who scored two touchdowns – including the final one of the game – and snagged an interception in their 28-7 victory. “We've proven ourselves over and over and over again, but we were not the favorites.”

Gandlin aims to continue her success on an international stage with dreams of competing in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 when flag football will be included as an exhibition sport. “I’ve been trying out for the women’s national team for the past two years,” she said.

A former competitive dancer, Gandlin always considered herself athletic and started playing flag football casually with friends after school before joining a local league. “I was dancing for 10 years... And then just after school, throwing around a football led us to join a local league,” she explained.

Football appeals to her due to its complexity. “It's a very complicated sport even though there are only five people on the field at a time,” said Gandlin. She plays safety and center positions which also involve receiving roles.

Gandlin is majoring in industrial and systems engineering at Rutgers School of Engineering and trains independently at sports fields on Busch campus. Her interest in STEM began early due to influences like her mother who was a math teacher. “My high school was also a STEM school... I just really like problem-solving,” she noted.

In addition to her studies and sports activities, Gandlin interns with Rutgers' video technology department for their football team where she records practices and games among other tasks. Jeremy Engel, co-director of video technology for Scarlet Knights remarked positively about her work ethic: “She always strives to do more... She's progressed super quick.”

At Rutgers-New Brunswick, Gandlin has been active in intramural sports such as volleyball besides flag football where she aims to start a women’s club team someday.

Regarding professional aspirations within football teams while favoring both New York franchises - Giants primarily but appreciating Jets too - when asked about college preference? Without hesitation: "Obviously Rutgers," she confirmed firmly.