CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Kaylee Knaak makes national impact in flag football
CBS 58 FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Girls flag football is growing with a big push from the National Football League. One state player is impressive on three different levels in this week's CBS 58's Hometown Athlete.
"I've always loved football," Kaylee Knaak says.
Kaylee Knaak always wanted to play.
"I always went to my brother's football games. No matter when they were," Knaak said.
And now, she has that chance.
"Powder puff? I was like, I love football. I like want something more. I need more," Knaak said.
The Franklin senior along with her brother, Kobe, wanted to start a flag football team.
"Just to see her thrive and be a leader and grow up as a woman. It's really cool," Kobe Knaak said. "And obviously I'm glad to be a part of it from a coaching side of things but also from a brother's side of things. It's really cool to see."
Seeing her talent, is believing. She's the Green Bay Packers 2024-2025 National Flag Football High School Player of the Year nominee.
"I was in pure shock. This was such an honor to me. And I was, I didn't think I was at this level to be player of the year. Even being our first year.," Kaylee Knaak said.
One year, because before that, Kaylee was into competitive dance and no other sports.
"Dance helped me become a better flag football person because I had the mentality. I had the leadership. I like to jump, so I know how to do it," Kaylee Knaak says.
"She doesn't come from sports background. As of, she didn't play basketball growing up. She didn't play soccer. She was a dancer," Kobe Knaak says.
"There were some days where I had a six-hour choreography for pom. And then I went to flag football practice for two hours right after," Kaylee Knaak says.
"For her to kind of break those barriers and be an inspiration to younger girls? Maybe they're like dang, like I can do that," Kobe Knaak says.
"If you're passionate about it? You need to go after it and you're not gonna get everyone's acceptance and that's what I had to realize," Kaylee Knaak says.
But nothing will stand in Kaylee's way from making more impact moments.
