Raising the Flag: High School Girls Embrace the Surging Popularity of a New Sport

Flag football is swiftly emerging as the nation’s fastest-growing sport, with an undeniable surge in popularity that rivals even pickleball. Maricopa’s two public high schools, Maricopa High and Desert Sunrise High, are poised to return for their second season, reigniting interest in girls’ teams that first debuted last fall.

Leading the Casa Grande Union High School team is Dennis Byerly, a local resident who draws parallels between the current enthusiasm for flag football and the impact of Title IX. “After Title IX, I coached girls’ softball in Alaska. The kids bonded, and that enthusiasm fueled further growth. Flag football signifies a new chapter, much like Title IX did,” recalled the 77-year-old who previously played and coached flag football for two decades during his military and athletic career.

During its inaugural season, the Casa Grande team finished with an 8-4 record but faced disappointment in the playoffs against Marana Mountain View, a team they had beaten earlier. Byerly remains optimistic about the potential for continued success, particularly if the talented freshmen develop cohesion.

Maricopa and Desert Sunrise had challenging starts last year, with the Rams winning their first two games but ultimately experiencing a 10-game losing streak. The Golden Hawks recorded a single win, followed by four forfeit losses. Both coaching staffs remain hopeful for improvement as the teams gain experience in this fast-paced game.

As the sport escalates towards national recognition, it will debut in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, alongside squash. The NFL’s endorsement is also significant, with over 1,600 teams and 620,000 youth athletes aged 4 to 17 currently participating nationwide. The collegiate level is no less enthusiastic, with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics hosting a championship, where Ottawa University has claimed three consecutive titles.

High school opportunities are expanding rapidly. Alaska became the ninth state to officially sanction flag football, with around 20 others piloting programs. Florida leads with 360 schools engaged and over 10,000 participants. Arizona joined the movement in 2023 with 54 schools adopting the sport, and numbers are expected to double this year. The participation rate of girls in high school sports soared from fewer than 300,000 in 1972 to over 3.2 million today, underscoring Title IX’s transformative impact.

Tyler Miller, chair of the social studies department and a coach at Maricopa High School, has long advocated for the sport. Despite acknowledging that they were initially behind established teams, he remains optimistic. “Seeing over 50 players show up for tryouts was a pleasant surprise,” he noted. “With a solid roster of juniors and sophomores, we’re excited for year two.”

Team chemistry and communication have been key focal points for Miller. “The girls developed a camaraderie and respect for each other. Speed is a dominant factor in the game, and teamwork is crucial for success,” he explained, emphasizing the lessons athletes gain beyond the field.

At Desert Sunrise, coach Jessica Shappie is also enthusiastic about the burgeoning program. “Starting this program was a challenge, but it’s rewarding to see the girls grow,” said Shappie, who began coaching at a middle school level before transitioning to high school. She anticipates a more competitive season as her team embarks on its third year.

The Golden Hawks begin their season with a game against Vista Grande on September 19. Maricopa follows with a match against the same opponent five days later, both teams eager to harness the momentum of improvement.

Byerly predicts a bright future for the sport. “As media coverage increases, so too will scholarship opportunities for athletes. Flag football is all about speed, and with its Olympic inclusion, we are on the verge of a massive breakthrough,” he stated, capturing the excitement that surrounds this evolving sport.