
OWINGS, Md. — The Southern Maryland community has a new star to cheer for. Lucia Siracusano, senior quarterback for Northern High School’s girls varsity flag football team, is making waves both on and off the field — and now she needs the community’s votes to keep her in the running for Youth Athlete of the Year.
Siracusano is currently in second place in her group in the national vote. The winner will receive a $25,000 prize and a feature in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated.
The Youth Athlete of the Year competition is a nationwide online contest operated by Colossal.org on behalf of DTCare, a registered public charity, in partnership with Sports Illustrated, 3BRAND, the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation.

Siracusano, who has already been offered college opportunities to play flag football, draws inspiration from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, believing that hard work will create her path forward. Her proudest moment came playing on ESPN at the Football Hall of Fame Flag Nationals — a dream realized. Quiet off the field but confident under center, she continues to chase the next challenge in football and beyond.
Community members can support her by casting one free vote per day, with donation-based votes also available that benefit the contest’s partnered charities.
Cast your daily vote for Lucia here: athleteoftheyear.org/2025/lucia-5af8
Voting for the quarterfinals ends Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. PDT, with limited-time 2X votes available through Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. PDT.
Siracusano Leads Patriots to Undefeated Start
This fall marks the launch of Northern’s first-ever girls varsity flag football program, and the Patriots have wasted no time making a statement. With Siracusano leading the offense, Northern opened the season with a 21-0 win over La Plata and followed up with a 28-0 shutout against Lackey.
The team will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m., traveling to Lackey High School in Indian Head. After that, Northern will host a home showcase on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m., followed by another home game on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m.
From Local Fields to College Offers

Siracusano’s leadership and skill have already caught the eye of college recruiters. She has earned official offers from Marian University, Marymount University and Kansas Wesleyan University, with more attention likely as she continues her senior season.
Vote now: athleteoftheyear.org/2025/lucia-5af8
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