EAGAN, Minn. — As the 18U flag football team from the Edina Girls Athletic Association prepared for a practice last week, Camille Dubuc wondered aloud to teammates if they'd get the opportunity to meet J.J. McCarthy.
Sure enough, the rookie quarterback surprised the squad as the Vikings created a special send-off for the players who are heading to Canton, Ohio, for a major tournament hosted at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
McCarthy emphasized the team's role in continuing to advance flag football opportunities for girls in Minnesota.
Kaylee Idrogo and Lyric Busby said the team appreciated the encouragement from McCarthy, who gladly answered questions about his preparation and mindset, signed autographs and posed for pictures with the players.
The players welcome the opportunity, but for them, it's also about continuing to enjoy a sport they've come to love.
"It's an honor to be representing the Vikings at this tournament," Idrogo said. "A lot of us have been playing since fourth or fifth grade, so we've been playing for seven or eight years, but this team is just now coming together.
"It's a super fun sport that everyone who plays different sports can come together and play," Idrogo added. "We enjoy getting outside and already liked throwing the ball around. Getting to do that in an organized setting is super cool because a lot of places don't have that."
Deitan Dubuc, Camille's father who played tight end at Michigan, and Trevor Busby (Lyric's father) coached the team through plays and schemes in preparation to face teams that have been assembled for longer periods of time.
"I think it's a great opportunity for Minnesota to show they have girls comfortable with playing flag football and they understand the nuances and the athletic ability," Trevor Busby said.
Lyric noted how the teammates joined forces after first playing other sports.
"I love sports and feel like it's a great, diverse sport, that if you play any other sport, it just translates," Lyric said. "I really enjoyed my experience with playing flag football."
And while the Vikings and Minnesotans plan to continue advancing girls flag football, this experience is presenting team member Maggie Donovan with an enhanced connection to her past.
Her grandfather Fred Zamberletti served as the Vikings original athletic trainer, beginning his remarkable run in the franchise's 1961 inaugural season. The Vikings Ring of Honor member passed away in 2018 at age 86, but Zamberletti's legacy with the organization continues to be felt.
The training room at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center is named in his honor, and Zamberletti was presented with an Award of Excellence by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
"It's been really surreal, really great, because I've always wanted to be closer to where my grandpa used to work, and I know he loved it so much here," Donovan said. "It's amazing to be a part of this and have that legacy.
"When I heard about this, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to do this because it's so great," she added. "I want to feel like I'm honoring him in some way by doing this, and I know he would have loved it, and I know he's looking on."
Donovan began playing flag football when she began middle school.
"It's been so much fun. I love sports and being active, and the one thing I loved about playing flag football with these girls and my other teammates, it's such a supporting and fun environment," Donovan said. "Nobody is there to make you feel bad. It's a fun game and you can be competitive and be yourself."
Coaches
Trevor Busby
Deitan Dubuc
Players
Lyric Busby
Maggie Donovan
Camille Dubuc
Kaylee Idrogo
Eleni McGuire
Claire Stewart
Madigan Webb
Maggie Yuan
