BREAST CANCER BEATDOWN

Hosted by Draft Prep Academy

Arlington, Texas — Draft Prep Academy

The Breast Cancer Beatdown, hosted by Draft Prep Academy, brought together female athletes, coaches, families, and supporters for an empowering day centered around girls flag football, leadership, mentorship, athletic development, and breast cancer awareness.

The event was created to provide young women with an opportunity to learn more about the rapidly growing sport of flag football while creating a platform that goes beyond the field. Through instruction, competition, mentorship, and community engagement, participants were encouraged to recognize the opportunities that athletics can create both academically and professionally.

Among the athletes highlighted through the event were Lola Burks, Jessica Ford, Kendra Burton, and Samera Burton. Each athlete represented the talent, dedication, and potential that Draft Prep Academy seeks to develop through its commitment to young female athletes.

FROM THE FIELD TO THE NEXT LEVEL

One of the most significant accomplishments connected to the Breast Cancer Beatdown has been the continued advancement of Lola Burks.

Lola, a standout Arlington Martin athlete, has now taken the next step in her athletic and academic journey after signing with East Texas Baptist University on an athletic scholarship to play flag football. Arlington ISD has also reported that Burks received an East Texas Baptist University scholarship to continue playing flag football at the collegiate level.

Her accomplishment represents exactly what the Breast Cancer Beatdown and Draft Prep Academy are designed to promote: creating opportunities, developing young women, and helping athletes turn their potential into opportunities beyond high school.

Lola's journey also reflects the rapid growth of girls flag football as a pathway to higher education. Arlington ISD reported that multiple Martin High School seniors received college scholarships to play flag football, demonstrating how the sport is opening new doors for student-athletes.

MORE THAN A GAME

The Breast Cancer Beatdown was never simply about football.

It was about education, empowerment, leadership, mentorship, and opportunity.

Draft Prep Academy's goal is to continue creating environments where young women can develop confidence, learn the game, build relationships, and understand that their athletic ability can become a pathway toward higher education and personal growth.

The participation of athletes such as Lola Burks, Jessica Ford, Kendra Burton, and Samera Burton represents the foundation of that vision.

THE IMPACT CONTINUES

As girls flag football continues to expand throughout Texas, events like the Breast Cancer Beatdown provide an important platform for athletes to gain exposure and experience while connecting with coaches, mentors, and members of the athletic community.

For Draft Prep Academy, the event represents another step in its commitment to developing student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

And for Lola Burks, the journey continues.

From competing on the field to earning an athletic scholarship to East Texas Baptist University, her story serves as a powerful example of what can happen when talent, preparation, opportunity, and perseverance come together.

Draft Prep Academy. Developing athletes. Creating opportunities. Building futures.