As spring approaches, so do new athletic opportunities—including the launch of girls’ flag football at Roseville Area High School (RAHS). Flag football has been rapidly growing across the country, with more schools and states recognizing it as an official high school sport.
Andrea Schmidt, the Athletic Director at RAHS, emphasized that flag football has been inspired by the push from the Minnesota Vikings to expand access to the sport of football to girls and women.
“We have great female athletes at Roseville, so I thought it would be best if we got involved as early adopters of the program,” Schmidt said.
Many female athletes at RAHS are optimistic to see how this addition will impact the school’s athletic culture. Athletes Kacy Nguyen (11), Mirabelle Jackson (11), Analaya Salanoa (10), and Anne Reichelt (9). Share with us their thoughts about the girls’ flag football.
Junior Nguyen, a member of the Junior Varsity hockey team and Varsity soccer team, joined the flag football team to stay active and have fun with friends. She also hopes it will encourage more girls to participate in traditionally male-dominated sports.
“It’s an exciting new experience I’m lucky to be a part of,” Nguyen said. “I think it’ll encourage more girls to go out of their comfort zone, which is what I’d want to see— more female athletes in male-dominated sports.”
Junior Jackson, captain of the girls’ soccer and basketball teams, also shared similar excitement about the sport.
“It’s a great chance for girls to try something new and have fun,” Jackson said. She believes that flag football adds a new layer of competition to girls’ sports at RAHS. “I think it brings a new perspective of sports for girls and adds another competitive environment in sports at Roseville.”
Sophomore Salanoa, also a captain of the girls’ basketball team, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to compete in another sport.
“It hasn’t been an option for girls to play football, so this is such a fun and exciting opportunity for many,” Salanoa said. She believes that the program will help expand athletic opportunities for girls at RAHS and create a stronger athletic community.
Even students who aren’t participating in the sport recognize its significance. Freshman cheerleader Anne Reichelt thinks flag football is an important addition because it introduces a new athletic opportunity for girls.
“I think this will introduce more activity and recognition towards more competitive girls’ teams and sports at RAHS,” Reichelt said.
Alex Reak, Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Coach at RAHS, has been preparing for the season by learning the rules and building relationships with the athletes.
“What excites me most about the season is the opportunity for these girls to learn a New game and get to be on a team with people that they normally wouldn’t,” Reak said. “I am also excited to help continue to grow girls flag football not only at Roseville, but across the state.”
With support from athletes and staff, girls’ flag football at RAHS is set to become a game changer for the school’s sports culture. As the season starts, the team hopes to pave the way for future female students at RAHS.
