Reyna Stanley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

MESA, Ariz - Every play starts with a decision. For Lexee Sunderhaus, playing quarterback on Mesa High School girl’s flag football team, it means reading the defense, finding the open receiver and trusting herself to make the right call, all while knowing her teammates are counting on her.

The responsibility is not always easy. Sunderhaus said one of the most stressful parts of playing quarterback is worrying about letting her team down, making a mistake or failing to give her teammates an opportunity to make a play.

But the senior has grown into the position over the past two seasons, becoming a leader for a Mesa team that relies on her both on and off the field.

Sunderhaus, who is homeschooled, has played flag football since before high school. She spent two years in a recreational league, played another year in junior high and joined Mesa’s varsity team as a freshman. Before becoming quarterback, she played receiver and safety, a defensive position she continues to play alongside her primary role on offense.

Her path to quarterback began during her junior year, when Mesa was bringing in a new coaching staff and needed someone to take over the position after the previous quarterback left. Head coach Mikhail Barton approached the team asking who would take advantage of the opportunity.

Despite her nerves, she raised her hand.

“She was one of the few girls that raised their hand, scared as all get out, but nonetheless, she stepped up to the challenge,” Barton said.

For Sunderhaus, taking that chance was connected to what first drew her to the sport. Growing up, she has always been surrounded by boys, from her six uncles to her two younger brothers, along with a plethora of male cousins. She developed a desire to participate in the same activities as the boys around her.

“I’ve always been the kind of person that wanted to do what the boys did, so as soon as I got the chance, I took it and haven’t looked back,” Sunderhaus said.

What began as an opportunity to try something new became a role that has challenged her to develop skills beyond throwing the ball. As quarterback, she has to understand the offense, recognize defensive formations and communicate decisions to her teammates.

Her father, Cody Sunderhaus, who volunteers as an assistant coach at Mesa, said her analytical approach has helped her learn the position.

“She’s very analytically minded, so watching her learn the plays and go over the plays and dissect the defenses, and then have to relay the message to the team,” Cody said.

The transition has also brought change in how Lexee sees herself. Both her father and Barton  described her as naturally shy, making her growth into a vocal leader an unexpected development.

“As a coach, it’s been really nice to see her get more comfortable with her role,” Cody said. He said that watching her gain confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of seeing her play.

Barton said Lexee has impressed him with her personality, knowledge of the game and ability to take charge. Her understanding extends beyond the offensive playbook, allowing her to recognize defensive responsibilities as well.

Away from the pressure of making plays, Sunderhaus also sees leadership as a responsibility to her teammates. She tries to encourage them after losses and reassure them when they begin to doubt themselves.

That support goes both ways. 

“I would not be able to last without their support,” Lexee said. “ Even if it was just four of them, I’d be good.”

For someone who never pictured herself in a leadership position, the role has become an opportunity to grow alongside the team. She may have initially raised her hand despite being scared, but she has continued to embrace the challenge.

And as she leads Mesa's offense, Lexee is learning that being a quarterback means more than making the right throw. It also means trusting herself, standing behind her teammates and finding her voice when they need it most.

“Across these last few years, it’s just been amazing. I never pictured myself as that kind of person. It’s been really cool to step into it and just have the team,” Lexee said.