Paramus High School Senior, Megan Mok, Chosen for First-Ever U.S. Army Bowl Flag Football All-American Team
December 4, 2023: Paramus, NJ – On the afternoon of Nov. 30, Paramus High School hosted the announcement of local players chosen for the first-ever U.S. Army Bowl Flag Football All-American team.
Paramus High School’s own, senior Megan Mok, is one of only 20 young women chosen to play in the inaugural Flag All-American Game on Dec. 18 at The Star, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Frisco, TX. The U.S. Army Bowl All-American Flag Football Game will feature exceptional high school women from across the country, each earning the prestigious title of All-American in recognition of their outstanding contributions to high school flag football.
Additionally, Paramus High School’s Ted Evans, Business Education teacher, Varsity Flag Football head coach, and assistant coach for Football, Girls Basketball, and Golf at PHS, was named the Director of U.S. Army Bowl Flag Football and Chairman of the U.S. Army Bowl National Selection Committee in October. Evans is a New York Jets 2023 Girls Flag High School Coach of The Week Game Changer, with more than 30 years of coaching experience.
The Flag All-American Game is one of the featured events of America’s Biggest Week in Football, which brings the best youth players to Texas. These young athletes will showcase their skills and determination on a national stage and take part in a full weekend of activities that includes opening night festivities, practices, testing at the National Combine, guest appearances, special ceremonies, and halftime entertainment. Mok said she is eager to meet and learn from the other incredible players.
“I’m looking forward to learning not only about their skills but also about being a better leader,” she said. “I know that this will be a great experience working with them as a team for the first-ever All-American flag football game.” Evans said the organization is thrilled to introduce the U.S. Army Bowl All-American Flag Football Game, “providing a platform for these exceptional young women to showcase their skills and be recognized as All-Americans. This event aligns with our commitment to supporting diversity and excellence in sports, and we look forward to an exciting showcase of talent at The Star."
Paramus High School’s young Flag Football team is only in its second year. Evans said that he’s especially thrilled that Mok was chosen for the game’s historic debut. In six games for Paramus this year, she rushed for 500+ yards and scored 10 total touchdowns. “She has a phenomenal attitude and athletic ability, and really took to the sport. She is an incredible role model and athlete and truly has a natural gift.”
Evans also noted that this is a momentous occasion not only for Mok and Paramus High School’s program, but also for the sport of flag football. “Seeing flag football at the national level, it’s very exciting,” he said. “It’s only been a varsity sport in New Jersey for about five years and it was just approved to be in the Olympics in 2028.”
There were three other local All-American players announced at the Paramus event–from Ridgewood High School, Irvington High School, and Staten Island. All players were invited to attend with their parents and coaches and each player was presented her official jersey for the event by an Army representative and the Chairman of the U.S. Army Bowl, Rich McGuinness.
Mok said she was shocked when she was told that she was chosen for the team. “I was both surprised and honored since I had only been playing this sport for less than a year and was rewarded with this opportunity,” she said. “However, with all the training and motivation from my teammates, I am more than excited to play in the Army Bowl.”
Mok sends her appreciation to her family for supporting her during this new adventure, in addition to her teammates and coaches. “I would like to thank my teammates for always showing the same passion at practice and wanting to improve every day,” she said. “I would like to thank Coach Evans and Coach Greg for starting this program in our school. Their dedication shows through their coaching and they always push us to do our best. I am excited to take the trip with Coach Evans as I know he will make it a great time.”
Photo Caption: USFlagMokEvans: Rich McGuinness (L) and Ted Evans (R) with four of this year's U.S. Army Bowl Flag All-Americans including PHS's Megan Mok, second from right.
Photo Credit: Paramus High School