Flag football, a relatively new sport to PV High, has proven to be an exciting opportunity for girls on campus who want to push themselves athletically while being a part of a tight-knit team.
Surging not only in California, but all over the world, the sport has become increasingly competitive and respected, garnering the attention of high schools and colleges who have implemented it at their schools.
Now set to make its official debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, flag football teams are seemingly emerging out of thin air.
Especially in California, girls can be found practicing at local parks and school fields year-round.
When it was deemed a girls’ sport by the California Interscholastic Federation in 2023, science teacher Ashley Hughes immediately took the opportunity to coach because of the impact she knew the sport would have on girls at PVHS.
“I knew it was an up and coming sport and a good chance for women in sports to play something that hasn’t been available. I wanted to make sure the girls on our campus had the opportunity to play,” she said.
The diverse flag football team at PVHS is made up of several girls from other sports, as well as some with little to no athletic experience.
Many athletes are joining the team, including senior Kayla Baker, a linebacker who also plays basketball.
Like most players, Baker joined the team with no experience at all, just an interest in football she developed from watching clips of it on TikTok.
“I started watching football during COVID and it’s really nice to be able to play; flag is like football with less risk,” said Baker.
Given that flag football is an incredibly fast paced and intense sport, the competitive aspect is often credited with adding to the exhilaration on the field.
From occasional tackles to surprising plays, the events of the games are always unexpected.
“Sometimes it can get really intense, I’ve been tackled a couple times to the ground,” Baker said.
The most common remark from girls on the team is how enjoyable it is to be a part of the flag football community at PVHS.
With girls joining from all grades and backgrounds, the team has been a welcoming environment for girls to try out a new experience and have a great time doing it.
“Flag football is super fun, competitive and overall a great atmosphere to play under,” linebacker Maddie Gregory said.
The mission of the current team and coaches at PVHS is to encourage more students to try flag football, no matter their athletic background.
“Everyone is learning, you can go in knowing nothing and most people are in the same boat,” said Baker.
With an already successful season on the rise, flag football at PVHS continues to serve as a spotlight for the athleticism of girls on campus, and a new outlet for women to succeed in sports.
The growth the team makes over the course of the season is what inspires the players to give their best at every game.
With skills acquired and friendships built, flag football is a transformative experience