It shouldn’t be surprising that Round Lake’s Mya Hagi eventually found herself in a particular position during flag football’s first season as an official sport in Illinois last year.

Already a point guard in basketball and a pitcher in softball, Hagi became the Panthers’ quarterback four games into the season.

“Mya gravitated toward the position,” Round Lake flag football coach Molly Hennig said. “She had never played quarterback before last season. She has the arm from softball and the shiftiness from basketball. It was a natural fit.”

That didn’t surprise Hagi’s mother, Lori.

“She’s naturally gifted at anything she does,” Lori Hagi said. “Seeing her play quarterback or point guard or even when she pitched, she’s a leader.”

But Mya Hagi didn’t expect to be so successful. As a junior this season, she has completed 112 of 227 pass attempts for 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns and has rushed for 732 yards and five TDs for the Panthers (6-4, 2-1).

Round Lake quarterback Mya Hagi throws a pass during a Northern Lake County Conference game against Wauconda in Round Lake on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Talia Sprague / News-Sun)

Hagi, who finished Round Lake’s 26-0 Northern Lake County Conference win against Wauconda on Wednesday with a nose injury and two black eyes, said she watches only one NFL game a year — the Super Bowl.

“I really didn’t know anything about football,” she said. “I remember playing in my first summer league game. I was playing center and caught a ball and threw it to other people. It’s funny looking back that I was a center and now I’m the starting quarterback.”

Hennig, who also coaches Round Lake’s girls basketball team, watched Hagi grow into her new role last season, when she was named all-conference after passing for 3,457 and 44 touchdowns and rushing for 422 yards and a touchdown.

“She picked up quarterback as the season progressed,” Hennig said. “She’s playing the hardest position in football, so it took her a while to get the reads down.”

Hagi is a more polished quarterback in her second season.

“I trained a lot, lifted and ran a lot,” she said. “I worked on hip movement and did a lot of throwing and practiced a lot. I feel like I’m 10 times better this year than last year, especially running and moving around the pocket, and I just am more comfortable in the offense. I feel good.”

Round Lake offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Steve Bell said Hagi has learned the intricacies of the position.

“Mya has come a long way in her command of the offense and understanding of what we’re trying to do on each play,” Bell said. “Over the last month, she has improved her processing and ability to communicate what she sees on each play and how she wants to attack the defense on the next drive.”

Round Lake quarterback Mya Hagi, left, looks to pass the ball as Wauconda’s Mya Hernandez defends during a Northern Lake County Conference game in Round Lake on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Talia Sprague / News-Sun)

Hagi credits Bell for her progress.

“Coach Bell has taught me everything I know,” she said. “I owe him many things.”

Round Lake sophomore wide receiver/linebacker Aria Randolph, who has 10 touchdowns and 50 flag pulls this season, said Hagi is a good leader for the Panthers too.

“When bad games or personal issues happen, Mya doesn’t let it affect the way she comes out and plays the next game,” Randolph said.

Hagi wants to continue playing the sport.

“I’m excited to keep learning and growing, and hopefully I can keep playing after high school,” Hagi said.

Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/12/flag-football-round-lake-mya-hagi/