CHATSWORTH — “She’s a girl, she can’t throw.” Those words never sat well with Sierra Canyon junior Makena Cook.
“Growing up, people doubting and the boys said I wasn’t good enough,” Cook recalled. “I wanted to show people that I could.”
Cook had a fascination with sports from an early age. Her older brother, Cooper, a senior at Sierra Canyon and a defensive end on the football team, passed his passion to his younger sibling, who is now the quarterback for Sierra Canyon’s girls flag football team.
Only a few years ago, Cook wanted to compete with the boys on the playground at Lincoln Elementary School in Corona del Mar. She learned the challenges of football, including how some of the boys were faster and stronger than her when playing receiver.
“They got too big,” Cook said.
But then Cook began throwing the football. She played catch with Cooper and her mom Stephanie. As she got taller, she became stronger. Strong to the point where her arm became stronger and more accurate than her male counterparts.
“At first they said don’t let her play,” Cook said. “And then finally they let me play, and everyone wanted me to be their quarterback.”
Now Cook, who is a transfer from Orange Lutheran, is the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the country and a team captain for the USA U/17 National Team.
Without trying, Cook has become one of the faces for the fast-growing sport.
As Cook threw five touchdown passes Monday in Sierra Canyon’s 48-14 victory over Notre Dame to stay undefeated in the Mission League, she had the attention of the three daughters of Sierra Canyon associate athletic director Katie Fox.
On the sidelines, the girls copied Cook’s snap count and throwing motion.
On a night when she threw a 30-yard touchdown pass while rolling to her right and off her back foot over two defenders — rifling the football deep downfield with pinpoint accuracy — competing was the least of her concerns.
Her attention in the second half was on the three flag football players who had found an idol in Cook.
A tug of her flags from one of the children was met with a glowing smile and a high-five.
“She’s blazed a trail for so many young women out here by pushing the envelope in the flag world,” Fox said. “Just seeing someone the way she is. She’s aggressive and focused and precise on the field, but she comes off, and she’s so fun. She’s full of life and fun, and the girls are connected when they’re younger.
“She’s super big on giving back to the community, and she’s always interested in how my daughters are doing. She wants to set a positive example for these girls.”
There weren’t influencers chasing Cook around with microphones attached to her jersey or noticeable brand sponsorships. Just a pair of white socks with blue crosses and an arm that rocketed the ball over 40 yards.
“I’m just a big kid at the end of the day,” Cook said.
Cook has endeared herself to girls flag football fans who watched another elite performance.
Sierra Canyon is in its first year with a flag football program. There are 14 players on the team that have never competed in organized flag football. Yet, the Trailblazers were in command the entire way against Notre Dame, the reigning Mission League champions.
“Her leadership and athletic ability are amazing,” Sierra Canyon coach Michaeltore Smith said. “But better yet, the type of teammate she is as well is what stands out the most. It’s not only her leadership, but she cares about her teammates in just the way she’s humble. She’s an incredible player, but she doesn’t see herself above anyone else.”
In her success at Orange Lutheran and now Sierra Canyon, Cook is becoming a recognizable face of flag football. Her performance on the field, her competitive desire to silence critics at a young age, and connection with children are the parts that go beyond her accuracy as a thrower or the charisma and joy displayed after another touchdown.
The No. 1 quarterback in the country is leaning on her memories as a child while becoming the athlete and flag football player that young girls can emulate.
“I know what it’s like to be the little kid standing on the (sideline) waiting for a signature and never getting one,” Cook said. “I try to make sure to show everyone love because everyone deserves it.”