TAMPA, Fla. — The future of flag football ran through drills, while the present helped coach.

Deliah Autry is a proud graduate of Robinson High School in Tampa. She gives back to the sport that gave so much to her by helping at the Knights’ annual summer camp.

She serves as a beacon for the girls working out, a role model and a player they can aspire to be. Autry is a member of the U.S. National Team that will compete in the World Championships.

“It feels like a dream. It feels like a very unique opportunity,” Autry said. “It feels like a responsibility. It feels like an honor.”

She’s already won two gold medals and a silver representing the United States and is going for one more later this month. But first she’s helping the younger generation, and working with youngsters just comes naturally to her.

When she’s not on a football field, you can find Autry working with kids. She’s a pediatric physical therapist. Trey Wiggins is one of her clients.

The almost 2-year-old suffers from a disorder that affects his motor skills and has caused a delay in development. He’s a late bloomer, and with Autry’s help, he’s learning how to do all the things a toddler his age can do.

Just like she did with the flag football campers, Autry runs the boy through a variety of drills. She’s teaching him how to sit up, turn himself over and eventually one day crawl.

As someone who has scored touchdowns and snagged interceptions, Autry says nothing compares to helping a young child reach developmental milestones.

“It’s very fulfilling, emotionally taxing, but certainly a fulfilling job,” she said. “And I love it so much.”

She has the same passion for helping flag football grow, through her participation on the U.S. team and by helping at camps.

“It’s so cool to see, cause it’s just a bunch of girls playing,” Autry said. “You can be whatever you want, play however you want. It’s really empowering. It’s been amazing to see the growth of the sport.”