GRIFFIN — History will be made Wednesday when Hiryaunna Mays will be the first Griffin-Spalding female to sign an athletic scholarship for flag football.
Mays has committed to play the next four years at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.
Mays had several offers from other schools such as Reinhardt, Point University, and LaGrange College before deciding on the Hawks.
Mays signed with Huntingdon mainly because of her college major: athletic training and the coaching staff.
“Huntingdon is known for my major, and as soon as I arrived on campus it felt like home. The coach was welcoming and open about everything, and I also loved the campus,” said Mays.
Mays is excited and honored to be the first to sign a flag football scholarship as she hopes she can be a great example for many to follow.
“I feel great, awesome, lucky, honored and blessed most importantly. A year ago, I would’ve never thought I’d be in the position that I’m in now with playing flag football on a collegiate level. Flag football isn’t talked about as much as men’s football, so when I tell people what sport I play they are shocked about it,” said Mays.
She continued, “Once the shock wears off, they’re super proud of me and inspired, which motivates me to keep going with the hopes of passing this inspiration on to other young women who may have doubts, fear or lack the motivation to pursue their dream. So overall, I feel blessed.”
Mays parents, Hiran and Kristie Mays, are excited and nervous about the next chapter in their daughter’s life.
“I’m absolutely proud of her. She has worked so hard to get where she is now. I’m going to miss her because she’s not my little girl anymore as she is moving on to a new chapter in her life,” said Hiran.
Kristie added, “I’m very proud of my daughter ,and I wish her well on her life journey. I’m going to miss her smile and her strong-minded personality.”
Being the first to do something is always a major accomplishment, especially in a sports town such as Griffin.
Griffin High flag football coach Quitashaun Blount is amazed at how far Mays has come as a player and even more excited about her future; however, her leadership skills will be missed next season.
“It feels amazing! I spoke this into existence during the summer as well as on media day. Having my senior go off to play flag football at the collegiate level made last season a successful one. I have always believed in her and I can’t wait to see her excel next year,” said Blount.
She continued, “I’m going to miss her leadership, enthusiasm, action plays, work ethic and personality. I’m going to miss Hiryaunna all around as there is a void we are going to have to fill. I just wish we had one more year with her.”
Mays will be playing wide receiver, one of her favorite positions. Mays said she is looking to take it one step at a time with the desires of maybe playing professionally one day.
“One of my favorite positions to play is wide receiver because I really enjoy catching the ball and scoring. I have the desire to play professional flag football later on in life, but for now I’m taking it one step at a time,” said Mays.
Blount believes more of her student-athletes will reach the next level now that Mays has signed.
“We are just getting started. All the girls see that flag football is real. Some have even had coaches reach out to them. I have a very special group and I’m ecstatic about what the future holds for the Lady Bears,” said Blount.
