From the Classroom to the Sidelines: Breana Sumpter on Finding Her Calling in Girls Flag Football

What happens when you say "yes" to an opportunity you never expected?In Episode 16 of the She Plays Flag Podcast, I sit down with Breana Sumpter, Head Women's Flag Football Coach at LaGrange College. Coach Sumpter shares her unconventional journey from teaching Spanish and working in mental and behavioral health to leading one of Georgia's growing collegiate flag football programs.She reflects on starting as a volunteer high school assistant simply because girls deserved the opportunity to play, the mentors who shaped her coaching philosophy, and why understanding people is just as important as understanding football. Along the way, we discuss leadership, player development, building a culture from the ground up, and what it takes to coach female athletes in one of America's fastest-growing sports.This episode is for coaches, players, and families and offers an inspiring reminder that sometimes the best careers begin with a simple "I'll help."Topics include:• Building a coaching career by accident• Transitioning from teaching to collegiate coaching• Coaching through a mental health lens• Leadership and communication• Mentorship and learning from veteran coaches• Growing women's flag football• Building culture and developing athletes