Rejection is Redirection: From Rejection, to become The 1st Clements Flag Football All-Stars Defensive Player
“Never let the things you can’t do stop you from doing what you can.” President Ronald Reagan
Stevani Panggelo-INA KL YES to USA YP 24/25
Howdy! I am Stevani Panggelo, also known as Avi, one of the awardees of the KL-YES Program for 2024/2025. I spent my unforgettable 10 months at Sugarland, Texas. When people think of Texas, they usually picture cowboys, but there’s so much more to explore here. Before my exchange year began, I let go of all expectations, except one dream: to continue my journey as a cheerleader in high school. But when I arrived, I found out I couldn’t join the cheer team because they had already chosen the team. And not just that I couldn’t join any sports. The teams were super competitive, and I didn’t make the cut. I told myself, “If one door closes, try another one.” I joined every club that was open to new members. I took a film class and fell in love with editing. I joined the Interact Club and made friends from other schools. French Club, Law Club, UNICEF, Pickleball, and more. I wanted to make the most out of every opportunity. School life is not always as easy and fun as I thought before. It is so hard to make friends, because back in Indonesia it was so easy for me to make friends. But this made me push myself to try harder and appreciate every little thing in friendship. Time goes by, I still think that I need to do more so that people in my school can remember me in a good way when my exchange year is over.
Then came a twist I never expected. In 2025, because in 3 years flag football will be at the Olympics so the Houston Texans are trying to promote flag football to a lot of schools in Texas, including my host school. On March 3rd, 2025, I don’t know where I got my courage from, but I signed up to join Flag Football tryouts. Yes! American football, the most American sport that you can think of. I have no clue what flag football is; I just listened to my heart at that time. It was really hard to catch up with the girls who had backgrounds in soccer, volleyball, track, or cross country. But the time I heard that I passed the tryouts, I promised myself that I would work really hard for this team because they gave me a chance to make my dreams come true. I never skip every single practice because the more I practice, the more I fall in love with flag football. But what made it truly special? The team. They welcomed me even when I couldn’t catch a ball. They taught me, supported me, and cheered me on as I got better. Like a dream, before the season started, I even got the chance to attend a flag football coaching clinic with the Texans at the Methodist Training Center, and I learned a lot from them.
Our second game hurt us so bad. We lost really badly and not like usual, all of my friends were so overwhelmed and upset. On the way home, I cried so bad, not because we lost, but because I realized how much this team meant to me. In the 3rd game, we almost won against a team that beat every team that we faced before, and we scored the best score. I cried again, but this time because of pride. I think we have a chance at the playoffs, but destiny said another way. We have to lose, even though we’re so close to going to the next round. This time I tried to look happy for my teammates. But during the inaugural time with my coach, I couldn’t hold back my tears. She said, “We’re really thankful that we grew up and are learning together, guys. This is history, we are the 1st Clements Flag Football team. I still remember the time we needed people to play and you guys showed up, that was really meaningful. Even though we never won this season, look back guys… how far we’ve been through. Can’t wait for the next season for y’all to play again.” I was crying so bad because I can’t play with this team anymore next season. I hope we still have more time to play together on the field. But when I’m busy with my own thoughts, my coach begins announcing the All-Star players for this season. The first one from the offense team is our quarterback, Olivia. “And the next one, this girl always comes to every practice, pulls a bunch of flags. For the All-Stars defensive player… AVI!” Tears started coming out of my eyes, and my friends suddenly hugged me. My friends started to sign my flag for me, and they said a bunch of words that made me cry. “We will miss you”, “You are my favorite defense player”, “Can’t you not go anywhere?” and more. I will never forget this moment ever.
This experience taught me one powerful lesson: “Rejection is Redirection.” If I had made the cheer team, I never would have tried all those clubs. I never would’ve become part of the first-ever Clements Flag Football team. I never would’ve met these incredible people. When I return to Indonesia, I’ll keep playing flag football, carrying all the lessons, love, and memories from this amazing exchange year. I didn’t just achieve my dream of joining a sports team. I got to play the most American sport, be a part of my school history, and leave with the best memories anyone could ask for. Love you CFF! Signed off, Rangers #05.
