USA Football hosted their second Digital Combine this year on GMTM for Adult and Junior athletes. The opportunity to be seen by the U.S. National Team coaching staff was available for athletes from all over the country, ages 12 and up. Athletes from anywhere in the country could participate in the virtual event for a chance to represent the United States. The Digital Combine has become a pillar of USA Football’s talent evaluation process.
The 2023 Digital Combine included eight unique activities that are designed to help the U.S. National Team coaches evaluate athletes. Each activity is designed so coaches get to know each athlete individually and see if they have the athleticism and skills to compete with the best flag football players in the world.
Hundreds of impressive and talented athletes participated in the Digital Combine before it closed on Monday, December 4, 2023. To celebrate the incredible participation, our team is highlighting a few athletes who participated in USA Football’s Digital Combine through GMTM.
Aurelia Mendoza: High School Flag Football Quarterback
Aurelia Mendoza, of Rochester, NY, is our youngest featured athlete this week. She graduated from Greece Athena High School earlier this year, where she served as the quarterback of their flag football team. She currently attends SUNY Brockport and enjoys highlighting her athletic pursuits and workouts on her social channels.
Earlier this year she suffered a case of heatstroke. After being sent to the hospital, she was also diagnosed with COVID for the third time and quickly after that was diagnosed with pneumonia. Fortunately, she has overcome these setbacks to make a healthy recovery and is now back to working out and training regularly.
Aurelia’s strength and determination are apparent and she has her sights set on reaching new athletic heights with USA Football. Check out some of the highlights she’s uploaded to her profile!
Katelyn Mattox: UCF Club Flag Football Player
Katelyn Mattox is an impressive young athlete from Rockledge, Florida with many talents. Katelyn grew up playing several sports, including gymnastics, baseball, basketball and flag football.
Katelyn played flag football on her high school team, and was so impressive that she was the only freshman to make the Varsity squad. She quickly worked her way up to a starting spot on her high school team. After graduating from high school, Katelyn made her way to UCF where she is currently a member of a UCF club flag football team.
In addition to her athleticism, Katelyn also acts, dances and sings. She’s even been featured in a Gatorade ad campaign! She now aspires to play for USA Football and has put her best foot forward in the 2023 Digital Combine.
Quentin Gause: Former NFL Player
Quentin Gause, born in Rochester, New York, is no stranger to the limelight. A former linebacker at Rutgers University, Quentin graduated with a B.A. in 2016. After graduating, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He has been a member of practice squads for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, and has been a member of the Denver Broncos’ active roster.
Following his roles with these NFL teams, he joined the Memphis Express, an Alliance of American Football (AAF) team and then was selected in October 2019 by the Los Angeles Wildcats as part of the 2020 XFL Draft's open phase. On August 21, 2021, Gause signed with the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League, where he helped them win the United Bowl Championship in 2021.
Despite facing obstacles along his journey, Quentin has shown his commitment to reaching the highest levels possible in his athletic career. To continue that pursuit, Quentin has used the USA Football Digital Combine to showcase his talent and passion. Continue following his athletic journey on GMTM because it’s clear he refuses to give up!
These are just a few of the impressive athletes who showcased their talents in the 2023 USA Football Digital Combine. You can download the GMTM app from the App Store or Google Play to stay up to date on future USA Football Digital Combine’s, connect with other passionate athletes, and showcase your athletic journey!
