Manchester High School Flag Football Star Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester High School flag football standout Iyanna Sheets has been nominated for the 2026 Heart of a Giant Award, a program recognizing high school athletes for their character, leadership, perseverance and commitment on and off the field.

Sheets is among the Week 5 nominees for the award, presented by USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants. Public voting is open through Oct. 25.

Sheets helped establish Manchester High School’s girls flag football program by securing the signatures needed to bring the sport to the school. She then helped lead the team to its first state championship in 2025 and a second consecutive title in 2026.

A two-time state champion, Sheets also serves as a captain in football, track and volleyball. Her athletic honors include being named the 2026 MaxPreps Connecticut Girls Flag Football Player of the Year.

Sheets maintains a grade-point average above 3.0 while balancing multiple sports and competitions.

According to her nomination, football helped Sheets develop her voice and confidence. Once a quiet child, she has grown into a leader who mentors younger players, encourages teammates and leads by example.

The nomination also highlights her perseverance through physical and emotional challenges and her efforts to inspire the next generation of athletes.

The Heart of a Giant program is in its 13th year. It has expanded beyond traditional high school tackle football players to recognize flag football athletes, student managers and student mascots across the tri-state region.

The nominee who receives the most votes in each weekly round will become a finalist. At the end of the six-week process, the program will recognize 11 honorees: six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions.

Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program. The grand prize winner will receive an additional $9,000 grant for the school and be recognized on the field at a future New York Giants game this season.

Voting is available online at usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote.