Gen Fara has had many different chapters in her life. But one thing has always remained consistent: being an athlete.
Over the years, she has built an impressive athletic resume.
Growing up, she was the only girl on her youth tackle football team, later turning into a three-sport varsity athlete in high school, running varsity track, and earning herself offers to play both soccer and basketball at the collegiate level.
Fara eventually chose to stick with her first love, committing to Montclair State University to play basketball.
But in the spring of 2026, she added something new to her athletic journey: women’s flag football player.
Women’s flag football was officially introduced as an NCAA sport at the university last spring to compete in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) for its inaugural season.
When Fara heard the news, she didn’t hesitate to try out.
She had played quarterback growing up and was a strong advocate pushing to bring flag football to her high school, which never ended up happening. But now, she had the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.
“Playing tackle football at a young age definitely shaped me into the athlete I am today,” said Montclair State flag football's Genevieve Fara. “It showed me that I could compete with anyone.” Photo courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
“Playing tackle football at a young age definitely shaped me into the athlete I am today,” Fara said. “It showed me that I could compete with anyone.”
After two seasons at Montclair State, playing basketball, she decided to step away from the team.
That spring, she would join the Red Hawk women’s soccer team, playing with them throughout the semester.
But in the fall, she entered her junior year not affiliated with any team. Something she had not done in her entire life.
This transition was quite difficult for her. With no practices, games, or teammates, she was navigating a path she hadn’t traveled before.
“Going from being a full-time college athlete to not having a sport was a big change for me,” Fara said. “That year helped me find my identity in something bigger than sports.”
Senior Genevieve Fara relied on faith in her time away from sports. Now that she is back, she has maintained that commitment, honoring her Christianity as an athlete. Photo courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
Without athletics, she turned to her Christian faith during a difficult time.
Eventually athletics found its way back into her life, joining the women’s club rugby team at Montclair State.
Rugby gave her the competitiveness she missed during her time away from sports. Here is where she would meet some of her future flag football teammates, including Maya Anico.
Fara’s athleticism was the first thing Anico noticed.
Genevieve Fara and Maya Anico met playing club rugby at Montclair State. Now, they are once again teammates, as part of a pioneering flag football season for the Red Hawks. Photo courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
“You could tell right away she was different,” Anico said. “Some people can just pick up any sport and be good at it, and Gen is one of those athletes.”
When Fara heard about the addition of flag football at the university, it felt like a dream come true. She knew this was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
Fara joined the flag football team after trying out when it was still a club sport in the spring of 2025.
While her athletic ability helped her out right away on the field, she still needed to learn the techniques of a new sport.
“It was definitely a learning process,” Fara said. “I had never played flag football before, so I had to really study the plays and learn the game.”
Fara, a senior, has been a key contributor at multiple positions for the Red Hawks.
In the fall, she played reps at quarterback after another quarterback was injured. She also saw time at running back, receiver, and on defense.
This translated directly into Montclair State’s season opener, as Fara recorded a solo tackle on defense, a 15-yard run for a touchdown on the ground, and completed a 33-yard pass in the air. All while wearing eyeblack with the biblical scripture John 3:16.
Head Coach Jim Kelly pointed to her work ethic as one of her best attributes.
Montclair State flag football is now 6-1, with its most recent win coming over ranked Mount Saint Mary. Genevieve Fara has been key to the team's success. Photo courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
“Everything she does, she wants to be the best at,” Kelly said. “She leads by example and sets the standard for the rest of the team.”
Teammate Giannamarie Greenhalgh said her energy was a major boost for team morale.
“She’s one of those people that everyone wants to be around,” Greenhalgh said. “She pushes everyone to be better and keeps the energy high every day.”
Fara hopes to end her athletic career on a high note while laying a winning foundation for the program’s future.
“I really want to make history,” Fara added. “I want to set the bar high for the years to come, to make us a winning program from the beginning.”
