We chatted with Diana Flores, the quarterback and captain of the Mexican national team, on why the sport is gaining popularity among girls and women.
Football has been one of the biggest pastimes in American History, trickling down from the professional levels to the collegiate game down to the bright lights of High School football on Friday nights.
However, we’ve seen a recent surge in a certain style that has begun to take the world by storm: flag football.
One of the more recent additions to the Olympic Games, flag football has significantly risen in popularity, as it has created a new avenue for people to enjoy the sport without the physical risks that tackle football has shown.
Well, the growth in flag football has coincided with a significant surge in interest from women playing the sport, which has created the opportunity for women’s flag football to debut as an Olympic sport in 2028.
In 2023, nearly 500,000 girls from the ages of 6-17 participated in flag football in the United States, representing the biggest level of growth in the sport, and that number is only continuing to grow.
Earlier this month, the Under Armour All-America Game hosted its inaugural Girls Flag Football Game, where some of the top athletes in the country got to participate in a camp hosted by Mexican flag football star quarterback Diana Flores and play in a live-streamed all-star game.
Here were all the athletes in attendance for the esteemed event.
Team Icon
LB Karina Bier (Anaheim, CA)
QB Joselynn Carrington (Las Vegas, NV)
LB Joselyn Rosas (Fort Pierce, FL)
WR/TE Sophie Guitron (Redondo Beach, CA)
QB Raya Deane (Tampa, FL)
WR/TE Addie Morrison (Woodstock, GA)
WR/TE Samaya Taylor (Chandler, AZ)
QB Adrienne Rivera (Port St. Lucie, FL)
WR/TE Brooke Bowman (Sachse, TX)
WR/TE Destiny Smith (Johns Creek, GA)
QB Samantha Lee (Franklin, TN)
WR/TE Madison Coger (Queen Creek, AZ)
Team Unstoppable
WR/TE Alexandria Lofton (Columbus, GA)
DL Talyn Phillips (Pahokee, FL)
DB Layla Jefferson (Winter Park, FL)
WR/TE Niah Waldman (Las Vegas, NV)
WR/TE Keyarra Shields (Lyndhurst, OH)
RB Liáni Gil (Jupiter, FL)
QB Sofia Chávez (Mexico City, MEX)
WR/TE Aaya Mclyn (Polytechnic Long Beach, CA)
WR/TE Landri Smit (Cedar Park, TX)
RB Anabella Zamora (Stansbury Park, UT)
WR/TE Grace Yager (Las Vegas, NV)
WR/TE Maia Helmar (Newport Beach, CA)
Following the game, I got the chance to speak with Flores, who shared her experiences in rising to one of the sport’s stars alongside the growth of women’s flag football.
“Over the past few years, women’s flag football has experienced unprecedented growth, now engaging over 20 million players across more than 100 countries,” Flores shared. “This rise exemplifies the increasing interest and support for women’s sports, creating more visibility and opportunities for female athletes. It means that women are not only gaining recognition on the field but also accessing important resources like college scholarships and more opportunities to achieve their dreams on and off the field.”
Those resources are providing more opportunities for female athletes in a golden age where college athletes are able to benefit through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals at a high rate nowadays.
As she grows herself, Flores has set aside significant time to help grow the sport and provide back to aspiring athletes who are looking to be like her in the future.
“My inspiration for holding this camp comes from a profound desire to give back to the incredible sport that has transformed my life over the past 20 years,” Flores shared. “Partnering with Under Armour, I aspire to create a vibrant platform where young girls can discover the joy of flag football and forge their own paths. I want to ignite their passion, empower them to chase their dreams fearlessly, and help them build bright futures. Together, we will cultivate a powerful community of future female leaders in sports, inspiring one another to break barriers and achieve greatness.”
As women’s flag football reaches the Olympic stages, there now is an even bigger avenue for women to make their mark on the biggest platforms, as players have another opportunity to represent their countries, while inspiring younger athletes to pursue their dreams.
“The inclusion of flag football as an Olympic sport is a monumental milestone for the entire sport, and a dream come true for the flag football community worldwide,” Flores continued. “The Olympic Games is the pinnacle for any athlete, so for flag football athletes, this is an amazing opportunity to represent their countries on the biggest stage. This opportunity can inspire countless young athletes who aspire to compete at the highest levels, demonstrating that their passion for the sport can lead to a bright future.”
What are the next steps now for women’s flag football after the addition of the sport to the Olympics?
“I believe women’s flag football is positioned for a significant breakthrough in popularity,” Flores said. “To keep this momentum going, we need to continue promoting grassroots initiatives, increasing media coverage, and organizing more high-profile events. Collaboration with major sports brands and educational institutions can also help amplify our reach. Ensuring that young female athletes have access to training, resources, and mentorship will be crucial in paving the way for future success in the sport.”
Women’s flag football has been one of the biggest surges over the past decade, and the sport is only continuing to grow as stars like Flores continue to grow and promote the sport.
