Meet Myka Eilers, a freshman at Yorba Linda High School whose strength and determination are truly inspiring. Myka’s journey has been anything but typical. Born with a heart condition called pulmonary stenosis, she’s already undergone two open-heart surgeries. But her love for life, and for football, is something that shines through in everything she does.

Myka’s connection to football started young. Watching games with her dad sparked a passion that’s stayed with her, and now she’s killing it on the field with her high school’s flag football team. “Football means so much to me, like looking forward to the game every week and celebrating with my family,” she says. Playing flag football has brought her joy and friendships, and she’s making memories that will last a lifetime. For Myka, football is about more than just playing a game. It’s taught her important life skills. For example, how to stay calm under pressure, work hard, and be a supportive teammate. These are lessons she’s carrying forward, not just as an athlete but as someone with big dreams for the future. As she dreams of one day breaking barriers in sports, Myka knows that these skills will be crucial. She hopes to carry them forward, whether she’s competing on the field or pursuing other ambitions. Her time with the Chiefs and her experiences in flag football have shown her that anything is possible with hard work and a strong team by her side. Growing up with her condition hasn’t stopped Myka from pursuing her goals. In fact, it’s made her even stronger. “I don’t know any different,” she explains. To her, resilience is second nature. Despite the surgeries and challenges, she remains hopeful, focused, and determined to make a difference.

As a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, she got the unforgettable chance to meet her football idols, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, through the Make a Wish program. Describing the experience, Myka Eilers (9) said, “Meeting Patrick Mahomes was one of the best days of my life.” She got a personal tour of Arrowhead Stadium, played catch with Mahomes, and even got to watch game highlights with him and his teammates. This special day wasn’t just fun—it meant everything to Myka. It was an opportunity to connect with people she looked up to and who encouraged her dreams. “It reinforced that I wanted to play and make a mark as a girl in football,” she explained. The support from her heroes made her believe even more in her potential, both on and off the field.

When she’s not on the field, Myka loves baking, rock climbing, and spending time with friends. “I’m very competitive, but I’m also a great teammate,” she says, showing that her spirit is as big as her heart. Looking to the future, Myka hopes to continue her journey in sports and break boundaries. She dreams of being a role model, showing young girls that they too can achieve anything they set their minds to. With her courage, talent, and heart, Myka Eilers is an inspiration to everyone around her.