Christian Myrick, a rising 10th grader from Deer Park, has achieved a significant milestone in his athletic career by winning gold with Team USA at the USA Football Junior International Cup in Los Angeles. The victory solidifies his standing as one of the top flag football players in his age group.
Myrick, who plays wide receiver and defensive back, expressed surprise at making the national team, stating, "I expected football to go well … but I never thought Team USA would happen." He competed against nearly 1,800 of the nation's elite flag football players aged 15 and under in the lead-up to the June games.
"It made me proud because I honestly didn’t even want to try out, because I didn’t think I was going to make it," Myrick said. He scored a 50-yard touchdown in the championship game, which concluded with a 47-14 victory over Japan.
During his freshman year at Deer Park High School, Myrick was a varsity football player, contributing at multiple positions including quarterback, running back, and safety. His coach, Cody Ciolino, noted Myrick's accomplishments as a 14-year-old all-state athlete, who recorded 12 touchdowns and 825 yards. "He has that natural leadership. As a freshman, there were kids, juniors, seniors, that were looking up to him," Ciolino added.
Football is a family tradition for Myrick. His older brother, Matthew, plays defensive lineman at Post University, and his father, Rodney, was a semi-pro player who nurtured Christian's passion for the sport. His older sister, Olivia, also played tackle football with him before he transitioned to flag football.
Playing tackle football enhanced Myrick's skills in flag football, particularly his agility and evasive maneuvers. He has a history of success in tournaments across the Northeast, accumulating over 40 championship rings and several medals in his five years of playing flag football. Myrick aims to add a varsity title and an Olympic gold medal to his collection. He aspires to play college football for Ohio State or LSU and eventually for the New York Giants in the NFL.
In addition to his flag football achievements, Myrick is preparing for tryouts for the U.S. national 17-and-under team. He also excels in other sports, playing shooting guard in basketball and competing as a runner in track and field. "I want to have a bigger role. I know I have a pretty big role in football, but in the other sports, I feel like I can do better," Myrick stated. He is determined to improve his performance in these areas as well.