As flag football is continuing to gain popularity across the country, more universities are starting to offer it as a National Collegiate Athletic Association sport (NCAA). Many flag football players are excited about this opportunity due to the fact they are able to not only play at the next level but have opportunities to be financially stable while in college by receiving scholarships.

With there being four division ones, 18 division twos, and 40 division threes opening, money is flowing into the programs to give more opportunities for girls who show they are willing to play not only at the next level, but beyond.

“I think that flag football is a very unknown sport, and it is very underestimated when there’s a lot of athletes out there that are really working hard, and I think that D1 scholarships will help prove that,” freshman varsity quarterback Aspen Taminich said.

Flag football opened as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) sport in the 2023-2024 academic school year and is known globally as one of the fastest growing sports, making a huge impact on women.

“I think it is a great opportunity for athletes, and that it is overall going to help our future as women,” Flag football player sophomore Maria Rivera said. 

Just after three years opening as a CIF sport, it was decided that it will be added to the 2028 Olympics which was a huge win for so many men and women to be able to compete in their chosen sport at the Olympics. One can always find these flag athletes giving it their all and putting themselves out there to make sure they are known and a part of this empowering movement.

This is not just an opportunity for athletes, it is an opportunity for coaches as well. Coaches now have the chance to guide their stellar athletes to the collegiate level, and even up to the Olympics, which is an amazing opportunity for them all.

Buena flag football head coach Miguel Casin was excited to hear this news for not only himself but for his athletes.

“I am willing to put in time and effort to properly develop my athletes both on and off the field that includes building their skills, holding them accountable, and helping them grow in confidence and discipline,” Casin said.