East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants have selected coach Kristen Patnode of Northeastern Clinton High School (Champlain, NY) as the inaugural recipient of the High School Flag Football Coach of the Week for Week 1 of the 2025 season.

New this season, the High School Flag Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants' continuing effort to support local high school flag football programs. Each week during the high school girls flag football season, the Giants will select one area high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner. The selection is based on the coach's continuing commitment towards promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes and contributing overall to their community.

In recognition of Coach Patnode's selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 check from The Giants Foundation will be given to the Northeastern Clinton's flag football program. Patnode will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll and will be honored at a recognition ceremony after the season and at a 2025 Giants preseason home game.

The Northeastern Clinton Cougars ended their 2024 season as the first school to claim Section VII's high school girls flag football championship title with an 11-3 record. Following their regular season, they competed in New York State's High School Girls Flag Football inaugural state championship playoffs where they outscored Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School 67-13 in the first round, prior to falling to Owego Free Academy in the regional round. After a historic first season of play, the Cougars look to continue their success under Coach Patnode's leadership.

In addition to being the varsity girls flag football coach, Coach Patnode also serves as the Athletics Coordinator to ensure a well-rounded student-athlete experience encompassing academics, athletics and community.

"Our NCCS community is lucky to have Coach Patnode's dedication, leadership, and passion, which have made a lasting impact on her student-athletes. She isn't just a coach—she's a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of support," said Tim Surprenant, Athletic Director of Northeastern Clinton High School.

Coach Patnode's emphasis on providing an environment for her student-athletes to make an impact off the field is evident through the Cougars senior Katelynn Johnston who was recognized as one of eleven finalists for the Giants Heart of a Giant Award in 2024 as one of the most inspiring football players in the tri-state area.