After being introduced as a sanctioned club at DHS last year, Girls Flag Football is now an IHSA recognized sport with an expanded schedule, generating great interest and excitement in the new season from students, coaches, and the school community.
As the name suggests, flag football has the same objective as traditional tackle football, but players use flags, and the rules differ. With the IHSA recognizing the sport this year, interest has grown throughout the Chicagoland area, and at Deerfield. DHS Girls Flag Football Assistant Coach Carly Micheles said she is excited about starting the Warriors’ first season as an official sport.
“Last year it was a club sport, while this year, it is an official IHSA sport,” Micheles said. “We only had three or four games last year and we currently have 14 this year, along with a mini-tournament that Deerfield is hosting.” Deerfield was ahead of the curve last year with installing flag football, Micheles said, and it continues to lead this year as it gains more traction across the student body. This year, the team has 37 athletes competing, 20 more than the 17 that competed last year.
Ava Rodgers is one of the returning athletes competing on the team. She plays defensive back and is very excited for the upcoming season. As a returning member, she has seen a lot of changes in the team. “I did flag football initially because of the positive environment and how enjoyable it can be,” Rodgers said. “This year, we have a lot more practices and a lot more girls on the team, which is only making the sport grow more, and I have loved being there to watch it grow.”
As the season begins, the team is looking to compete against larger schools, including New Trier, Glenbrook North, Maine South, and Deerfield’s rival, Highland Park. To prepare for these tough games, Micheles said the team is focused on practicing to win. “Team communication, positive mindset, understanding the game, and practice skills are all vital in order to create a strong team,” Micheles explained. “Practicing essential skills and creating a positive mindset will help build companionship and camaraderie between players.”
Head Coach Krista Settles has been coaching the team for two years now and has loved watching the game grow. Last year, She coached with athletic director Molly Tomlinson when the team wasn’t an IHSA sport yet. “I am proud to be leading this new Girls Flag Football program at DHS. Our team goals are to learn the game, have fun, and win a few games,” Coach Settles said, “The girls who came out for the team this season are awesome! I am so happy to have all of them playing on the team! We are learning a little more with each practice and game that we have.”
The flag football team encourages the entire community to turn out and support the team this season, including at its next home game on Wednesday, September 25th, on Adams Field, at 6:30!
