From the first time she stepped onto a field, junior Carly Colby knew sports would be more than just a hobby—they would become a defining part of who she is. Whether sprinting across the flag football field or making clutch saves as a lacrosse goalie, Colby thrives on the energy, challenge and community that athletics bring. As a multi-sport athlete at Eagle High, she continues to push her limits while inspiring others to do the same.
By her sophomore year, Colby found herself at the heart of something special: helping launch Carlsbad High’s first official girls’ flag football team in Carlsbad, CA.
“It was so cool,” Colby said. “I’d already been playing for five years, so I got to help teach other girls how to play. We made it all the way to the division championships, which is like going to state in California. That was an amazing experience that I’m so glad I got to be part of.”
Colby’s resilience is displayed in the way she prepares, leads and how she continues to show up even on tough days. Before every game, she relies on her pre-game ritual to get her mind and body in sync.
“I listen to the same six songs: ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady’, ‘Whatsername’, ‘Panema’, ‘99 Red Balloons’, ‘Come Out and Play’ and ‘Upside Down’,” Colby said. “Then, I pray with my friends before we take the field”.
Those moments ground her and remind her of the community she plays for. Her support system, which includes her family, friends, coaches and teammates, play a critical role in her drive to succeed.
“I want to play hard to honor the people in my life,” Colby said. “They push me to be the best version of myself.”
That focus has already caught the attention of college coaches. Colby hopes to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level—either in lacrosse or flag football, which is now gaining traction as an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) sport.
“My dream is to play in college. Then, one day, I’d love to move back to Carlsbad and coach girls flag football or be a lacrosse goalie coach,” Colby said. “I want to give back to the programs that shaped me.”
