It’s a scorching summer day in the Southeast Valley as the Campo Verde High girl’s flag team prepares for their next summer workout.
As the now eye-level sun spotlights the Coyotes’ practice field, Amaya Moreno is completely in her element. The senior record-setting quarterback is bouncing around from teammate to teammate bringing “the juice” needed to elevate some in the dead of the off-season.
Getting Settled In
This summer has a different, more comfortable, feel for Moreno. A year ago, she was not only a new girl in the program but on Campo’s campus, as well, after transferring from Mountain Pointe.
“It was definitely a different adjustment,” she said the “Zone Read.” “I feel like it’s two different environments, but I felt like I got a good feel for it…for the program and everything.
“I was just so blessed to step into this program and keep building it.”
The situation for both parties took some integrating as CV already had a two-year starting quarterback in the program when Moreno, now the top-ranked player on MaxPreps, arrived.
So proud of @CHIMIMORENO1 for being the #1 flag football player in the country to watch. She’s been with us for 8 years. Keep grinding! @quarterbackmag pic.twitter.com/xRibNA0FR4
— Mike Giovando (@Elev8QBacademy) August 6, 2025
It was evident to head coach Brian Coger she would make an immediate impact moving forward.
“She picked up the playbook right away and brought another dynamic to our system that we didn’t have prior.”
The Grind for Greatness
In many ways, Moreno is a throwback player in the modern, still growing era, of Arizona girl’s flag.
Her work ethic is tireless, her drive for success unmatched.
“She’s a competitor,” Coger said without hesitation. “She competes at everything she does – whether it be on the field or off the field. In the classroom, in the film room, she’s out there competing.”
2026 isn’t about hype. It’s about re-establishing the standard.
A new season. A renewed culture. A relentless commitment to accountability, toughness, discipline, & family.
We’re not chasing what we were…
We’re building what’s next. pic.twitter.com/LEKogLQtJh— CVHS Girls Flag Football (@CVHSGirlsFlagFB) May 25, 2026
Moreno has spent this summer training.
Training every day.
Training multiple times a day.
“I think it sets me apart as a player,” she explained. “It strengthens you for the season.
“I feel like having that strong work ethic has helped set me apart, for sure.”
Faith, Family, Football
From a young age, Moreno has been around the game. Her family had a team, and she was always attending practice.
What’s followed would be the start of her football love affair.
“One day I told my dad, ‘Hey, I want to play,’” she said with a bright smile. “He said, ‘Of course.’
“It wasn’t the usual response a dad would make if a seven-year-old (girl) would ask their dad to play football.”
As she grew into the game, Moreno has leaned on her faith to help her along the journey.
“Give all glory to God through everything,” she detailed. “Nothing is possible without Him.”
Her parents have encouraged her to keep a level, proper perspective not only for herself, but the other young girls who she is influencing along the way.
“What I do on the field, young girls are watching me and how I play,” said Moreno. “Just being a Christ follower like myself and being able to show girls it’s okay to be strong in your faith and play at the same time.
Amaya Moreno went OFF tonight — 56 points in the FIRST HALF
Her unreal performance punches her ticket to her 2nd State Championship appearance. pic.twitter.com/CdJ5YIJwSS— Hypamark (@HypaMarkCo) November 20, 2025
“Being able to work hard and still stay grounded with myself and who I am.”
The Mahomes Factor
Turn on Moreno’s Hudl or watch her in person and you’ll see it.
Her ability to improvise in the chaos of a broken play, or quickly process the back end of a defense, even if her first or second option on the play, isn’t open.
She’s shifty and elusive, just like you know who.
“Someone who I look up to is Patrick Mahomes because I like the way he plays,” Moreno said. “He has his own style. I definitely try to model my game after it a little bit.”
She also trains, and gets QB tips, with former AZHS stars Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints), Demond Williams (Washington), and Devon Dampier (Utah).
“I’ve got a lot of good people in my corner, so I’m just blessed to learn from them and keep growing.”
Living in the Present
Life is moving fast for Amaya Moreno.
Her much anticipated senior season opens September 15th against Highland, and another decorated signal-caller, Lacie Nemchick, with every intention of hoisting another 6A State Championship gold ball.
Moreno, a standout student, is well-liked not just among her teammates, but around campus, as well.
Her future, both on and off the field, is bright.
However, her focus on the day-to-day never waivers.
“The marathon always continues,” she said shaking her head with a smile. “My parents keep me grounded in that, and being able to understand that there’s something else out there that you have to achieve.
“It’s bigger than just a moment, for sure.”’
— Amaya Moreno (@CHIMIMORENO1) December 1, 2025
For Coger and his staff, some of Moreno’s “moments” on the field deserve a second, or even third, look.
“At least once a practice, or a couple times in practice, you become a fan,” he said shaking his head with a wry grin. “You become a fan and have to rewind (the film).
“The plays she makes…some of them are just one of a kind.”
The post Zone Read: The Work, and Winning, Never Stops for Amaya Moreno first appeared on Sports360AZ.