Excitement building for IHSA's first girls flag football season

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - High school girls in Illinois have another sport to show off their athletic skills across the state and country.

It’s an all-American game, and now girls are stepping up to the line this fall, with flag football making its debut as a Illinois High School Association (IHSA) recognized sport.

“We’re one of the few teams in Chicago and in the state that’s also carrying a JV squad because of our interest being so strong,” Lane Tech Athletic Brent Bradish told WBBM.

The Chicago Public League has had teams for the last handful of years, but the IHSA’s decision to add girls flag football to make it statewide rides on the strong interest girls have taken in the sport.

What started in Chicago with 15 teams in 2021, ballooned to 109 teams by 2023, with Lane Tech snagging the championship.

“Think about all the excitement that’s been going in the last few months with the WNBA and women’s basketball, I think this is translating and trickling to all throughout,” Bradish said.

Several area schools including Glenbrook South, Maine West and Stevenson have already fielded teams, with more planning to join.

For many girls, it’s their first time playing the sport.

“It helps them perform in school, academically, socially, emotionally, so having another avenue for them to get and feel connected with school is an important piece,” said Jennifer Doede, athletic director at Stagg High School in Palos Hills.

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