In a groundbreaking move, the Colorado High School Activities Association has officially sanctioned girls flag football as an official high school sport for the state of Colorado. This decision comes after a successful pilot season in the Adams 12 Five Star School District, where over 150 girls participated in the program.
For Northglenn High School junior Elle Taylor, this news is a dream come true. Taylor, who had never played football before, fell in love with the sport during the pilot season last fall. From learning how to throw a football to becoming the starting quarterback, Taylor found joy in the technical aspects of the game and the camaraderie with her teammates.
Kylie Russell, Director of Athletics and Activities for the district, expressed excitement over the decision to sanction girls flag football. She emphasized the benefits of sports in children’s lives and the opportunities that this new sport will provide for female athletes.
Coach Jodie Turner, who has been playing flag football for over 12 years and now coaches a girls team, was nearly brought to tears by the announcement. She believes that this move will not only expand the sport in Colorado but also give girls a chance to compete at the highest levels, potentially even in the Olympics.
For Taylor, the news of girls flag football becoming an official high school sport is a step in the right direction for women’s sports. She hopes that more girls will be inspired to join the sport and experience the same joy and fulfillment that she has found on the field. With the upcoming official flag football season this fall, Taylor is already setting her sights on new goals, including the possibility of competing in the Olympics.