After an intense season filled with hard-fought battles, the Liberty High School flag football team has wrapped up another memorable year. Competing against tough rivals, the team showcased their speed, strategy, and teamwork, leaving everything on the field. With standout performances and key victories, Liberty proved they are a force to be reckoned with, As the season comes to a close, players and fans alike reflect on the journey, celebrating the team’s growth and accomplishments.
Flag football is more than just a sport for the players at Liberty High School—it’s an opportunity for young female athletes to break barriers and make their mark in a growing sport. With more colleges offering scholarships and the game gaining national attention, Liberty’s program is helping shape the future of women’s flag football. The team’s success not only brings pride to the school but also encourages more girls to join the sport, proving that they can compete at a high level just like their male counterparts. As the sport continues to grow, Liberty’s athletes are paving the way for future generations.
For the players, flag football is more than just a game, it’s a community. The team creates a sisterhood, where athletes support and uplift each other both on and off the field. Junior Daryl Shaw describes the team as welcoming and encouraging.
“In my team, we’re all very supportive, we’re all very uplifting… we all have different things going on in life, but in flag football, we can come together and play one sport and have fun.”
Through intense practices, competitive games, and shared victories, players develop strong bonds and essential life skills like discipline and resilience. As the sport continues to expand, Liberty’s program serves as a model for other schools, inspiring more young women to step onto the field and embrace the game.
(Kristiana Roberts)
One of the biggest reasons flag football is gaining traction is the sense of opportunity it brings to female athletes. Freshman Alyssa Loza, who has been playing for three years, has seen the sport grow in recognition. “I think flag football is growing over time, and they’re really taking it seriously now,” she said. “Colleges are bringing it as a sport, it’s cool how flag football can give you opportunities, and sometimes you may not know what you can do and what you’re capable of.” For many young athletes, this means flag football is no longer just an after-school activity—it’s a stepping stone toward scholarships, college teams, and even professional-level play. As more schools embrace the sport, players like Alyssa are proving that flag football is here to stay, and it’s changing the game for female athletes everywhere.
With the growing popularity of flag football, female athletes are gaining more exposure and support, thanks to initiatives like U.S.A. Football and the N.F.L. partnering to bring the sport into the spotlight. As Kilolo Westerlund, one of the nation’s top players, points out, “Right now, I definitely do think that we have a lot of support, you know U.S.A. football and the N.F.L. are kind of pairing up to put us on the map. So I definitely think that we have the upper hand right now with exposure, and all it takes is for us to reach out and do what we need to do and show up and show out.” With all this support, flag football is becoming a sport with huge potential, offering female athletes national recognition and college and pro opportunities. This partnership between the N.F.L. and U.S.A. Football is setting up a future where female flag football players can make their mark on the national stage.
