Izzy Geraci
US NATIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYER
From Youth Soccer to Team USA: Izzy Geraci’s Journey Through Flag Football
When you think of professional athletes, you often imagine years of intense training, major sacrifices, and unwavering dedication. For one flag football standout, that journey began on the grass fields of youth soccer and evolved into a story of perseverance, passion, and purpose.
I recently sat down with Izzy Geraci, an athlete who’s making waves in the world of flag football, representing the U.S. on the national stage, and advocating for the future of women in sports. From her first steps into the world of sports to winning gold with the national team, her story is one of resilience, growth, and inspiration.
A Childhood Fueled by Sports
Like many young kids, Izzy Geraci’s athletic journey began with soccer games and t-ball practices. “I started playing sports when I was maybe five or six,” she said. “You know, when your parents sign you up for soccer so you can run around and burn energy.” But it didn’t stop there—soon she was diving into football, basketball, t-ball and whatever else she could try. “I always wanted to play,” she laughed.
In high school, the dream became more focused. With her sights set on a college scholarship, she made a tough decision—stepping away from her love of football to focus on basketball. She joined AAU teams such as 4K and SMAC Basketball, playing in national tournaments where college scouts watched closely in hopes to catch their eyes.
Eventually, Geraci committed to Cleveland State University, but in a twist that many college athletes can relate to, the coaching staff she built a relationship with left before she arrived. “It was an interesting four years,” she admitted. Despite the challenges, she stayed on the court her entire collegiate career, even using her COVID-eligible fifth year to transfer to USC Upstate in South Carolina—where she not only continued playing basketball but added track back into her athletic mix.
Returning to the Game She Loved
While basketball filled her schedule, she couldn’t shake her love for football. NCAA rules meant she couldn’t play other sports while on scholarship, but she kept watching, researching, and waiting for an opportunity. That’s when she discovered NFL Flag and the growing world of women’s flag football.
“I saw all this stuff for the national team and thought, ‘Dang, maybe I should get into this,’” Izzy recalled. After college, she reached out to a current player - now teammate, got connected with the right people, and made the most of her opportunity. “It was a crazy whirlwind,” she said. “The last two years of my life have been insane.”
While being a national team athlete might sound glamorous, the reality is much more grounded. “We don’t get paid yet,” she explained. “The only money we make is through endorsements, which I do have, but it’s not enough to just quit your job.” Balancing full-time work, training, and traveling for tournaments isn’t easy. At one point, she was working retail while trying to maintain her athletic commitments. “That was probably the hardest part—balancing everything.” On top of training and working, Geraci spends her free time working on social media and content creation to be able to work towards endorsements. Now working with her family and recently signing with a new agency, she feels more optimistic. “It’s easing up, and I’m excited about where things are going.”
Gold Medals and Goals
Despite the challenges, the rewards have been plenty. Among her proudest achievements are being named Lorain County Miss Basketball, being honored as Lorain County Athlete of the Year, playing Division I college basketball for five years, earning a spot on the U.S. Women’s Flag Football National Team and winning a gold medal with the national team.
Looking ahead in her career, her goals are clear: “I want to make the national team every year until I decide to quit—or until my body gives out,” she laughed. Her biggest dream? Competing (and winning) with Team USA in the 2028 Olympics. Izzy hopes one day she can focus entirely on football without juggling a traditional 9-to-5.
Beyond her personal goals, Izzy is passionate about the growth of women’s sports—especially flag football. “I hope every single state sanctions it as a high school varsity sport,” she said. “Girls need somewhere to build a foundation.” She also emphasized the importance of media coverage. “There have always been insanely talented women, but the media is finally starting to cover them. That’s what makes the difference.”
From coaching to front-office roles to Olympic dreams, she’s optimistic about the path ahead. “Seeing women in those positions—it’s awesome. I just hope it continues.”
Words to the Next Generation
When asked what advice she’d give to girls thinking about trying flag football—or any sport—her message was clear:
“Don’t let anyone tell you girls can’t play football. That mindset is so outdated. If someone says you can’t do something—because you’re too small or not smart enough—block out the noise. If you believe in yourself and put in the work, you can do it.”
And that’s really the heart of her story. A belief in herself. A relentless work ethic. And a vision for something bigger than just her own success. From youth soccer to the national stage, she’s proving that passion and perseverance can pave the way—no matter how unlikely the path might seem.
