Jodicee Arianna is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZpreps365.com.

Campo Verde’s wide receiver and defensive back Maddie Coger’s presence is felt when she steps on the field.

Her defensive ability allows her to lead her team in interceptions. Her drive and determination during games have made her nationally known not only in the flag football world but in the sports world.

She has participated with Team USA for flag football, was a member of the inaugural 5A state champion flag football team in Arizona, was selected as a player for the Arizona Cardinals All-Star game and was named the offensive player of the year by the Arizona Republic.

Accomplishments like these would seemingly make some people arrogant, but that’s not Coger.

“She isn’t one to try and bring attention to herself,” said Brian Coger, Campo Verde head coach and father of Coger. “She is the type of player and person that just wants to show up, do her job, and let the results speak for themselves.”

Coger leads her team in receiving yards per game with 92,4 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Her playing style is not forced. It flows naturally.

Her journey to becoming a flag football standout began years before the Campo Verde varsity team formed. 

She was raised in a sports-loving family, and it fell into her lap. She started playing flag football in seventh grade.

She is a dual-sport athlete, playing basketball and football. She takes AP classes and is in the top 15% of her class. In her free time, she is either watching movies or coloring.

Her humbleness is one of her most discussed traits. Winning isn’t easy in sports, but the achievements that Coger has obtained are some athletes will never know. She handles it with grace and supports her teammates.

“If you were to look up student-athlete in the dictionary, her picture would be there,” said Campo Verde's athletic director Max Ragsdale. “She’s a great athlete, and I think with her being able to shine, it allows other people to have eyes on our other athletes too.”

Coger acknowledges she’s had many accomplishments, but supporting her teammates is what she loves.

“I think my role on the team is teaching the younger players and leading on the field,” she said.

This is her last season as a Coyote and the last time she will be coached under her father.

Coach Coger was one of the people who helped bring the flag football program together last season. Many athletes coach their children, and Cogers do their best to separate the distinction.

“I do my best to separate the two roles,” said coach Coger. “But the coach side does roll over into the father side at times.”

Understandably, the standard he holds for his daughter is high; Maddie sets her standard, as well.

The goal she has for herself is to win the region and that was accomplished, and be a back-to-back state champion.

Campo Verde faces Mesquite High on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the semi-finals. The game is being played at AZ College Prep.

She also knows her team has a target on their back because they are the defending state champions, but she and her teammates are ready to be locked in.

“She is the heartbeat of the team,” said coach Coger. “We go as she goes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all about the numbers she is putting up. She is a player that has the ability to draw extra coverage from opposing teams, which frees up her teammates.”