Powerhouse coach clears air on dominant run after Eagles Flag Football showdown

Massara, named Eagles Girls Flag Football Coach of the Week, didn't just build a team; she built a dynasty. Fast. Partnering with assistant Mike Husni ("a godsend... he taught me everything"), she instilled a winning culture. Kingsway captured the 2024 Eagles Girls Flag Football League of New Jersey Championship in just their second year.

"Amazing, nothing short of amazing," Massara reflected, crediting her dedicated senior class. Their mission was clear from day one: "Get to NovaCare," the site of the championships. They aimed high, and they hit the target.

This 2025 season was pure dominance. Kingsway roared through a perfect 15-0 regular season, powered by that senior leadership and Massara’s unwavering belief.

"There was a zero in the loss column, but there were some trying times," she admitted. "Everybody's getting better... for this group to rise to that occasion, it's inspiring."

Their journey led them back to the NovaCare Complex on June 1, facing familiar foes, Mastery Camden, in a rematch of titans. The stage was set for another chapter in their flag football saga. Could they repeat their championship magic?

Beyond the Flags: Building a Legacy

The championship clash was pure nail-biter material. Kingsway battled fiercely, pushing the defending champs Mastery Camden to the absolute limit. Ultimately, it was Mastery Camden who snatched victory in a heart-stopping overtime thriller, 12-6. Despite the final score, Massara’s impact is undeniable. Her two-year flag football record? A staggering 27-2. One state championship. One finals appearance. Numbers that scream success.

Her players feel it deeply. Senior Alayna Reipen, committed to play flag football at Eastern University, credits Massara fundamentally.

"Massara is more than just our coach—she’s the glue to our team. Her positivity and support make us feel like we can take on anything."

This sentiment echoes Massara’s core philosophy.

"Building confidence in young women. Teaching them all kinds of stuff—just to be there for them."

It’s about life lessons as much as flag pulls. Former colleagues are equally effusive.

John Adams, her colleague from Woodstown, observed, "She has the unique ability to make it fun while also demanding perfection." Assistant Mike Husni simply states, "I love Susie... She builds such a great rapport with them." Massara’s secret weapon isn’t a complex play; it’s authentic connection and unwavering support.

While the 2025 championship trophy resides elsewhere, the foundation Massara poured at Kingsway is rock solid. The Eagles organization's pivotal support, highlighted by hosting these high-stakes championships, continues to fuel the sport's explosive growth across the region.

From just 16 teams in 2022 to 92 today, Girls Flag Football is soaring. With Olympic inclusion looming in 2028, the pipeline Massara helps strengthen could produce future stars.

Massara took a leap into the unknown with flag football. She built more than wins; she built belief, opportunity, and a legacy empowering young women. Her journey proves that dynasties aren't born overnight, but forged through passion, dedication, and a coach who truly sees her players' potential.

As the legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once noted, "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." Massara builds champions, on and off the flag football field, every single day. That character shines through, win or lose.