SSHS football: 1st girl player at state?
PLUS: Snow day! Winter fun, from easy to ‘only for the bold’
SSHS’ Olivia Mancini kicks her way to football history
When the Blue Streaks hit the state championship Saturday, the team will include Olivia Mancini, its trailblazing female kicker.
For the first time in a decade, the Saratoga Springs High School football team is heading to the New York State Football Championships, held December 5–6 at Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome. But this year, the story isn’t just about a team making it back to the state championship — it’s also about the young woman helping lead them there.
Senior kicker Olivia Mancini has been playing tackle football since seventh grade, carving out a spot in a sport where few girls ever get the chance to suit up, let alone excel. What began as a leap of curiosity has grown into a history-making senior season and an inspiring example for girls across the region.
“I never thought I’d be seen as a trailblazer,” she says. “But girls from Saratoga and nearby towns reach out saying how proud they are or how excited their daughters are to see me play.”
The coaches — focused on Saturday’s game — weren’t sure if Mancini was the first female football player to represent the school at the State Championships. (There was one previous female kicker, but did she play in 2015, the last time the Blue Streaks played for the title? Unclear. But a 2015 roster found online did not list any females.)
But she is definitely the first one to have such a starring role — she has bragging rights to the completion of 39 extra points (of 44 attempts) so far this season. (This makes her ranked an impressive No. 13 in the state.)
In addition to holding her own with the boys, she has recently been able to reconnect with female competition, via the school’s flag football program that was established in 2024. “Being part of a team full of women is empowering,” Mancini says. “People are surprised at how physical it can be. You have to be just as tough as in tackle.”
That toughness — paired with the support of coaches who believed in her, including the flag football team’s Founding Head Coach Jon Coons (who also is defensive coordinator for the tackle team) — set the foundation for her growth in the varsity tackle program.
Now, as she prepares to finish her senior season on the state championship stage, Mancini is carrying not just her team, but the hopes of girls watching from the stands, classrooms and living rooms across the Capital Region. Her message to them is simple and direct:
“If you’re thinking about joining — just do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Keep reading!
NY Giants see a future in female football. Local girls say, game on.
Saratoga Dispatch: now on Facebook. Support independent, local journalism (for FREE!) by giving us a “Like”! And be sure to share this story with all your friends who love to read about trailblazing women.
Snow day! Top 6 spots (including hidden gems!) for winter fun
From easy excursions to only-for-the-bold thrills, here’s where to go.
Congress Park
A perfect free spot for winter fun just a few steps away from downtown. Enjoy the hill, wander over to the springs, and cap it off with a hot chocolate from The Spot or Uncommon Grounds (maybe you’ll even catch Santa in his hut).
Saratoga State Park
The rolling hills around the golf course make Saratoga Spa State Park a great spot for sledding — plenty of space, plenty of slopes, and lots of room to spread out and find your perfect run.
West Mountain (Queensbury)
We all know West Mountain as a go-to ski spot for Saratogians — but did you know they offer snow tubing, too? This winter, starting December 20, West Mountain opens its 10 tubing lanes of varying lengths and speeds, welcoming anyone ages 4 and up to join the fun. Season passes and tickets can be purchased online ahead of time, or grab them when you arrive at the resort.
Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center (Northville)
Lapland Lake is packed with winter fun for kids of all ages — from kids clubs and pulk sleds to kick-sledding, ice skating and snow tubing. You can bring your own tube or rent one on-site for an easy, activity-filled day in the snow.
Saratoga National Historical Park (Stillwater)
Saratoga National Historical Park offers designated hills for snow tubing and tobogganing throughout the winter season. If you’re feeling bold, the steepest slopes sit on the Hudson River side of the battlefield — perfect for anyone ready to take the plunge. A great mix of history and wintery adventure.
Woods Hollow Nature Preserve (Corner of Rowland and Northline, Ballston Spa)
Saving my personal favorite (and childhood spot) for last. Tucked into the woods is a huge hill that’s perfect for tubing — just a short walk through the trees and you’ll find hours of snowy fun. Don’t drive too fast, or you might just miss this hidden gem!
Snow day have you itching to get out for a glass of Champagne?
Right before Thanksgiving, we announced a last-minute pre-show “bubbles and bites” before Opera Saratoga’s epic La bohème event at UPH Dec. 5. (THIS FRIDAY!!)
🥂 Spots left: 11. Grab your ticket here.
📷 Pics will be taken at the party for an upcoming Dispatch.
Speaking of Friday’s big event, today’s Dispatch is brought to you by…
Opera Saratoga presents La bohème, a concert version of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece. Featuring local and national talent, this first-ever holiday production brings together the magic of Juilliard, The Met, Skidmore and more.
⭐ More than 500 tickets sold! ⭐
🎭 UPH | Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. (this Friday!)
🎟️ Tickets: atuph.org
ICYMI…
Why I’m partnering with the Dispatch, by Seen in Saratoga
Saratogian in ‘Stranger Things.’
Inside scoop on a delicious Dispatch exclusive (involving Stewart’s ice cream and a DeCrescente)
Inside 2025’s Victorian Street Walk
‘Wacky’ cake for dinner? (Last chance to buy your tickets for Thursday’s event — see you there?)
Got a business to promote, story to tell or event to share? Respond to this email or reach Abby at abby@saratogadispatch.com.
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