Flag football has officially been introduced as an FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) sport at the Academy of the Holy Names, marking a new chapter for girls’ athletics. This exciting development highlights AHN’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for young women, empowering them to explore new sports and break traditional boundaries. With the addition of flag football, AHN joins a growing movement of schools recognizing the importance of providing diverse athletic programs that cater to a wide range of interests and talents. The sport’s inclusion also reflects the broader trend of increasing visibility and support for female athletes across Florida.
The history of girls’ flag football in Florida dates back to the 1990s with Florida being one of the first states to sanction the sport officially. Over the years it has grown in popularity, offering a new opportunity for female athletes to compete at both recreational and competitive levels. AHN’s recent addition of this sport has excited students and opened the door for future athletic achievements. AHN students and faculty have already felt the impact of this new addition to athletics.
The interest in flag football at AHN was overwhelming with nearly 40 girls attending tryouts leading to a roster of 21 players. The team is diverse with six freshmen, six sophomores, three juniors, and six seniors. The decision to add flag football was driven by student demand as many girls expressed a strong interest in a sport that offered a different kind of athletic experience. Flag football provides a unique blend of competition and camaraderie, appealing to students who might not have connected with more traditional sports. The enthusiasm surrounding the tryouts reflects the excitement within the student body for this new opportunity.
Cameron Powell, a senior, believes the new addition of flag football will have a lasting impact on athletics at AHN. She sees it as a sport that promotes physical activity and broadens the definition of what it means to be an athlete. For students who may not have felt connected to more traditional sports like soccer or basketball, flag football offers many students a new opportunity to be a part of a team. Cameron thinks flag football will inspire a sense of belonging and confidence among students who may not have previously seen themselves as “traditional athletes.”
Powell said, “I think flag football is going to get so many more girls involved who maybe didn’t feel like traditional sports were for them. It’s honestly a game-changer for students like me who love competition but also want to have fun and connect with others in a different way. I’m really excited to be part of something new at our school!”
The benefits of adding flag football extend beyond the athletic field. Sonja Petrov, a sophomore, notes the potential for flag football to enhance the school’s sense of community. Flag football, which brings something fresh and exciting, allows students to rally together, creating a sense of unity and pride within AHN. As the sport grows, it will not only engage athletes but also attracts broader participation from the student body, fostering a more vibrant school community within AHN.
Petrov said, “I think flag football will really boost school spirit, especially because it’s something fresh that everyone can rally behind. It’s a great way for new students like me to feel more connected to the community at AHN.”
From an administrative perspective, Kevin Vargas, Athletic Director, sees flag football becoming a permanent fixture in AHN’s sports program. His enthusiasm for the sport’s future success shows how seriously AHN takes this opportunity. With a focus on building a competitive team, flag football could soon become one of the school’s standout athletic offerings.
Vargas said, “I am excited to add flag football to our athletic program. With the interest and talent I have already seen, I’m confident it will become a sport that we can compete in at a high level with other schools.”
The AHN flag football team started its inaugural season, hosting the first week of the new league’s regular season on Thursday, September 5. The match included Shorecrest vs. Tampa Prep at 5:30 PM and AHN vs. Berkeley Prep at 7:00 PM. In a close game, Berkeley Prep beat AHN, with the final score being 6 to 7. Despite the close loss, the team is excited for the rest of the season.
