A lone student walks down the hall. As they turn the corner they see a hoard of cheering people decked in blue costumes and facepaint. Every inch of the hallway is covered in bright blue streamers, lights and decorations. The best day of the year has officially begun.  

Powderpuff is not only the most spirited, intense, and energetic event of the school year, but it’s a time when girls from all different backgrounds can bond together for their teams. Powderpuff is a day that brings the whole school together in spirit, and divides it by colors; red or blue.

Powderpuff is only once a year, so it’s win or go home, according to guidance counselor, and red team coach, Clifton Jones. Powderpuff is no light hearted competition, but an intense match between juniors and seniors each vying for the winning title, and this year red wanted to win, says Jones.

“The big goal is to win, definitely want to win. But I also want girls to have an appreciation for the sport, to learn the sport, to try something new and different, and it’s also an opportunity for the girls of the class to come together and I think it’s pretty cool that girls have the opportunity to play,” Jones said.

According to senior Ndaru Kartikaningsih, even though red had won the past few years, the blue team was not afraid. For the seniors, who won 30-6, having a losing streak was additional motivation.

“I think it fuels our fire, this year when we first had our meetings to talk about when practices were going to start I know a lot of us were so ready like this year is our year, and we need to take back the victories,” Kartikaningsih said.

Team spirit is a huge part of Powderpuff because it unites the players and fans under their colors, Kartikaningsih said.  

“It just gets everybody in the school hyped up and ready, and it’s a good way to bond. I think it’s a good way to promote sportsmanship and get everybody involved not just the players. On Powderpuff day everybody dresses up in their colors and it’s the only event in the school year that really brings the entire school together that everybody has fun in,” Kartikaningsih said.

According to junior Isabel Lobon, Powderpuff is not solely about the intense rivalry, but is also a chance for girls to play a sport they usually don’t.

“It kind of gives girls the opportunity to actually do something that a lot of girls wouldn’t normally do. The opportunity to compete, and compete for your grade, and I think that’s very fun,” Lobon said.

Jones said Powderpuff lets girls get excited about things that they didn’t think they could do.

“Like being afraid to catch the ball, or being like I don’t think I can catch the ball, then they catch the ball, and other girls are there supporting them doing it. You know just because you haven’t done something before or you’re a little timid about doing it doesn’t mean that you won’t be great at it. And it’s good to see them overcome their fears and still participate,” Jones said.  

According to Kartikaningsih, Powderpuff is a day where everyone is laughing, cheering, and full of energy; is the one tradition at the high school that everyone can be a part of.

“When it comes towards Thanksgiving you have to be careful where you’re walking, and what colors you’re wearing especially on the day, I know like as an underclassmen I wouldn’t dare walk through a red hallway,” Kartikaningsih said. “Last year I was still a little scared we were the juniors not the seniors, but this year we are the oldest. It’s our time to scare them.”