Throughout the 2026 Illinois high school girls flag football season, the Bears will recognize standout student-athletes through the Player of the Week Award, brought to you by Dunkin'. Each week, one player will be recognized for her outstanding performance on the field as well as her sportsmanship and community involvement off the field.
Prospect High School receiver and safety Claire Happ received Week 3 Player of the Week honors. The junior helped lead the Knights to four consecutive wins by making major contributions on both sides of the ball. She recorded 15 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns while also tallying 22 flag pulls, including seven for loss, seven pass deflections and one interception.
Happ spoke with ChicagoBears.com about her English roots, her favorite Bears player, why flag football has been so impactful in her life and more.
What does winning the Player of the Week Award mean to you?
I'm just super grateful. I did not expect this at all. And the Bears, what they're doing with flag football, I think it's super awesome. Just bringing awareness to girls sports in general is such a great and big thing. Winning this really shows that you never really know what's going to happen. It's such a big thing that I just didn't expect.
When did you start playing flag football?
I started my sophomore year. Last year was my first year playing flag. When I was a freshman, it was a new sport at my high school, and I really regret not trying out freshman year. I just wasn't really thinking about it, but some of my closest friends did it, and I heard all good stuff. So, I really wanted to join because of that. It's just such a fast growing sport.
How has playing flag impacted your life?
Well, I used to live in England, and I played a bunch of sports there like netball and field hockey and cricket. But when we moved back here, I started to play more American sports like softball and basketball, and then finally flag. As soon as I started flag, it was obvious to me that it was my favorite sport. I enjoyed it the most, and whenever I had practice, I'd be looking forward to it all day. Game days are my favorite days of the week. So having something I love so much that I look forward to is very important to me.
Were you a football fan before you started playing flag football?
My family is from Chicago. I was born here, but we moved to England when I was nine months old, and then we moved back when I was 10. But whenever we would come back to visit my family here, we would always be watching the Bears play.
Do you have a favorite Bears player?
I'm kind of stealing my brother's favorite player because his is Kyle Monangai. My brother's usually pretty right about that stuff, so I would say that he's also mine. He's also my number as well, so that does help.
Soccer or American football?
I would definitely go American football. I never played traditional football. And watching tackle football in general is so much more fun than watching soccer.
What's been your favorite moment of this season so far?
Just the little moments. Hearing that question, my mind immediately goes to all of our wins, which are obviously super fun. Winning against the state champs from last year was a very big thing, and we were very excited about that. But thinking of the little moments, like watching film all together and laughing at funny moments, like one of us tripping, or having team dinners at our houses. Just the little moments where we all get to spend time together have been my favorite.
Would you rather record a receiving touchdown or a pick-six?
Pick-six. 100%. Just because it is such a shift in the game. And it changes the whole feel of the game and the energy of your team, because you're not expecting to have a touchdown on that play, and then all of a sudden, everyone gets super hype, and it's more unexpected than if you're on offense getting a touchdown.
Who are your role models in flag football?
My mind goes to the seniors of my team from last year. Obviously they're not famous, but they really are the reason why I love the sport so much. Being an underclassman and having seniors who would drive me around and treat me like their little sister, they have inspired me to keep playing, get better and continue what they started.
What's your ideal future in flag football?
Thinking about this year, I would love to make it far down the road. Obviously, State is in the back of our mind. That would be the main goal. But then past high school, I would love to play in college and obviously just keep getting better. Just thinking about flag right now, I look forward to it so much, so I couldn't imagine not having it. As I'm nearing the end of my high school career, I know I don't want to be done yet.
