Senior Vanessa Tepper has been named a finalist for the National Football League's inaugural Maxwell Football Club (MFC) National Flag Football Player of the Year award.
This inaugural award came about in partnership with the NFL clubs, which submitted nominations during the fall that were evaluated by the Maxwell Football Club's national selection staff, who are leaders in girls flag football and women’s athletics nationwide. Student athletes were identified as finalists, and this month, one player will be announced as MFC’s Flag Football Player of the Year.
Vanessa, who was nominated by the New York Giants organization, was named the Giants’ and Hospital for Special Surgery's (HSS) 2024 “Heart of a Giant” recipient in December. Vanessa was selected for embodying the spirit of the game through five qualities: commitment, character, teamwork, dedication and will. In addition to a trophy, she was honored at a recent New York Giants game, was gifted with two tickets to Super Bowl LIX and presented with a $10,000 equipment grant for the High School’s Flag Football Program.
"She is a deserving finalist and so worthy of being recognized,” said Director of Athletics Tim Bult. “Her drive and grit to overcome her medical condition so she could return to the sport she loves is truly an example for others. She’s not only a stellar athlete but a stellar student academically. She’s dedicated to both as well as her teammates’ success. We are rooting for her to be the Maxwell Football Club’s final choice.”
In a statement, Maxwell Football Club Executive Director Mark Wolpert said the club was thrilled to promote all aspects of football and amplify the efforts of young women who are pioneering the game of flag football.
He added: "The players, coaches and organizations who have championed the development of the game are to be commended, and the opportunities that now exist for girls and young women will continue to grow. The support of the National Football League is a huge driver for the growth of this game and the Maxwell Football Club is excited to play a part in recognizing excellence both on and off the football field for these amazing athletes.”
“The Maxwell Football Club is an organization designed to celebrate player achievement on the field,” NFL Vice President of Flag Football Stephanie Kwok said in a statement. “The opportunity to have the club place flag football on the grand stage by naming the national girls flag football player of the year will help raise the platform for the growth of this wonderful game. I’m thrilled to celebrate these amazing athletes, and excited to see how they will continue to lead both on and off the football field.”
The award will be presented during the 88th Maxwell Awards on March 14 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 and is the oldest football organization of its kind nationally. The club recognizes excellence in performance at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of the game.