Kyamora’s Journey to Flag Football
Kyamora Dunn’s journey into the world of flag football began during her junior year of high school. Initially drawn to the sport through a casual interest, the camaraderie and competitive spirit of her teammates ignited a deeper passion within her. Encouraged by a friend who played travel flag football, Dunn attended a practice session, where her talent was quickly recognized, earning her a spot on the travel team.
From there, Dunn’s prowess on the field became undeniable. Known for her leadership, intelligence, and exceptional athletic ability, she quickly stood out among her peers. Her dedication and hard work led her to win multiple MVP awards and championships in the All-City Girls Flag Football League. Despite her accolades, Dunn remains humble, attributing much of her success to her teammates and coaches.
“I am one of the best players, but I would not discredit any of my girls because we’re all tough. We’re amazing girls, but I stand out with my leadership, my intelligence of the game, and my overall ability to play and maneuver on the field, said Dunn.
Dunns Idols and College Decision
One of Dunn’s inspirations in the sport is Jo Overstreet, a well-known flag football player. Additionally, Dunn looks up to Deliah Autry, who once attended one of her games, leaving a lasting impression on the young athlete. As Dunn continues to develop her skills, she remains open to discovering and learning from other professionals in the sport.
Dunn’s decision to commit to Villa Maria College was carefully considered. Although initially hesitant due to the cold Buffalo weather, she saw an opportunity to build and elevate the college’s relatively new flag football program. Dunn’s goal is to make a significant impact at Villa Maria College, using it as a stepping stone to further her career in flag football and beyond.
Game Day Routine and Her Motivation
Off the field, Dunn maintains a unique gameday routine. Contrary to typical pre-game rituals, she avoids eating before games, believing it helps her body feel better prepared. Instead, she focuses on staying hydrated and listening to music, particularly “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill, to get into the right mindset.
Dunn’s motivation comes largely from her mother, Grisheld Bishop. Described as her biggest supporter, Bishop continually reminds Dunn of her goals and the importance of hard work and education. “One of the things is just reiterating to her the goals she expressed to me. Kya has expressed a lot of goals since her tackle football days when she was a little kid, so just keeping that to the forefront of her mind and reminding her that you have to work for this like you have to continue to work like you’re only as good as your last game” said Bishop. Bishop’s dedication extends beyond emotional support. She has taken steps to learn about social media and promotion to help get Dunn’s name out there.
The Impact of Dunn’s Coaches
Dunn’s coaches also played a pivotal role in her development. For instance, her high school coach, Joseph Monteserrato, assisted her in improving her grades and staying on the team. Her travel team coach, George Serrano, provided unwavering support, ensuring she obtained everything she needed to succeed. Their guidance has been instrumental in Dunn’s growth as a player and as a person.
Dunn’s tournaments and experiences
One of Dunn’s most memorable experiences was attending the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The scale of the event and the level of competition opened her eyes to the potential of flag football, solidifying her desire to pursue the sport further. Her team’s performance, particularly their victory against Panama, highlighted her flag football career. Dunn is excited about upcoming tournaments, including the nationals and Valley Forge. She is also seeking opportunities to improve her game through additional training as she looks to start her college career.
