For Tayli Paeu-Lindgren, being part of the St. Francis flag football program means more than the games she plays or the honors she earns. Sidelined by a torn ACL, the Class of 2027 athlete remains committed to supporting her teammates, bringing the same investment to the sideline that helped her become a two-time All-League First Team selection.
A wide receiver, rusher and safety, Paeu-Lindgren earned All-League Co-Offensive MVP recognition as a sophomore and First Team All-League honors during both her sophomore and junior seasons. Those accomplishments mark a successful high school career in a sport she hopes to continue playing at the collegiate level.
After tearing her ACL in November, Paeu-Lindgren has been unable to compete this season. The injury has changed how she contributes, but it has not diminished her connection to the program.
“Being a part of the flag program is really important to me,” she said. “Even though I can’t physically participate, I want to be there for my teammates and cheer them on, especially since it is my senior year.”
Her continued involvement reflects how much she values the team and the opportunity to share in her teammates’ experiences. Even without taking the field, she remains present, helping out and supporting the players alongside whom she has built her high school career.
Paeu-Lindgren’s athletic background extends beyond flag football. She also participates in basketball and track and field and previously played competitive volleyball. That multisport experience is another part of an athletic journey she hopes will continue beyond St. Francis.
Her goals in flag football reach beyond her own return to competition. As the sport grows, she wants to help demonstrate what female athletes can accomplish and contribute to the opportunities available to the next generation.
“I want to show everyone that we as women can compete and play football at a high level,” she said, “and to help create the legacy of flag football for girls in the future.”
For Paeu-Lindgren, that ambition gives her a reason to stay involved through a difficult chapter. She hopes to play for as long as she can, pursue college flag football and make a lasting contribution to a sport that has become an important part of her life.
Her senior season may look different from what she envisioned, but her commitment remains clear: support her teammates, stay connected to the game and keep working toward a future on the field.
