Girls Flag Football Officially Sanctioned as High School Sport in Colorado

Northglenn High School junior Elle Taylor never imagined herself playing flag football in Colorado, but after participating in the Adams 12 Five Star School District’s pilot season for girls flag football, she fell in love with the sport almost instantly. Taylor went from knowing nothing about football to becoming the starting quarterback, finding joy in the technical aspects and camaraderie of the game.

The pilot season saw over 150 girls from five high schools in the district, including Northglenn, participating in the program. The success and interest in the pilot season led to the official sanctioning of girls flag football as a high school sport in Colorado by the Colorado High School Activities Association.

Coaches and officials are thrilled about the decision, recognizing the benefits and opportunities it will provide for female athletes. With the inclusion of girls flag football as a varsity sport, athletes will now have the chance to compete in a postseason and state championship, as well as earn varsity letters.

For Coach Turner, who has been involved in the sport for over 12 years, the announcement brought tears to her eyes. She believes that the expansion of flag football in Colorado will not only change lives but also potentially lead to opportunities for girls to compete in the Olympics in the future.

As Taylor prepares for another official flag football season this fall, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With the support of her family and the newfound recognition of girls flag football as a high school sport, she hopes to inspire more girls to join the sport and experience the same joy and fulfillment that she has found on the field.