After putting together their best season in program history, the Villa Vikings Flag Football team is poised to pick up where they left off a year ago. The Vikings finished with a program-best 18 wins and ranked 25th in the Women's Collegiate Flag Football (WCFFB) poll. Led by Head Coach Keith Wing, who was named the National Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL) Coach of the Year, the Vikings are ready to pick up where they left off.
"I think it's really a testament to the hard work we have put in at getting this program on the right track," Wing said of the team's year-two turnaround. "It speaks to the quality of the players we have brought to Villa as well."
The Vikings will showcase two key offensive returners in the 2025-2026 campaign, including quarterback Brianna Shalinsky and quarterback/wide receiver Alannah Bushorr. Villa averaged 20 points per game and bolstered the offense by adding several new players, including incoming freshman running back Scarlett Melancon, who earned All-Western New York honors at Williamsville South High School.
"I'm really excited to see the offense this year," Shalinsky said. "We have a ton of new talent coming in and with the players we have returning we are going to be stacked for sure."
Melancon finished her career as Williamsville South's all-time leading rusher and combined for nearly 1,200 all-purpose yards and 14 scores this past season for the Billies. She also added five passing touchdowns.
"Scarlett was probably the most dynamic player in high school flag football in Western New York the last two years," Wing added. "I am very glad she is a Viking."
Layla Gallant and Ashley Nikodijevic are also two incoming freshmen wide receivers that Wing refers to as "uniquely talented" and will also help elevate the Vikings' offense.
On the other side of the football, the Vikings are led by cornerback Keiliany Diaz, linebacker Gianna Marciano, and defensive back Lily Runkel. The trio helped the Vikings hold opponents to seven or fewer points in 15 of their games last year, which also included seven shutouts.
"Nothing makes me happier than to make a great play or to watch my teammates dominate," said Marciano.
"The expectation for defense this year is to function as a cohesive unit," she continued. "Clear communication is going to be key. We have to apply pressure to limit and prevent yards, force turnovers, and make adjustments."
"I was happy with how last year went but obviously there is always room for improvement and growth," Runkel added. "I am so excited for this year and all we will accomplish. I think we are building something really great and I am so proud to be a part of it."
Joining the defense this year are transfers Kiara Mercado (cornerback/wide receiver) and Alyssa Saavedra (linebacker). Both previously played at Bryant and Stratton College of Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) and Siena Heights University (Michigan).
"With three years of college experience, I'm hoping to lead by example and be vocal when needed," said Saavedra. "I will be bringing positive energy to the team and be someone everyone can count on, every play."
"When we played Siena Heights last year and Kiara lined up at corner, I knew she was going to pretty much erase the wide receiver she lined up against," Wing shared. "She's a great player for sure. I'm glad she's now on our sideline."
Wing and the coaching staff will get their first look at the 2025-2026 Vikings squad in October when the team participates in several scrimmages.
"Every year is different, but this is the most talented team top to bottom that I have ever coached," Wing said. "I think that will help us get better every day in practice. We have a lot of talented newcomers and returning players. We are going to give the players an opportunity to showcase their talents against other teams and show everyone what they can do."
Scrimmages
? October 11th: Flash Fields in Elma – Albany vs. Cortland
? October 19th: at Geneseo (multi-team scrimmage)
