The recent decision by the Colorado High School Activities Association to sanction girls flag football as a permanent high school sport is a milestone for female athletes in the state. After a successful pilot program that lasted several years, over 50 schools in Colorado have already signed up to participate, with many of them located in the Denver metro area.
This move is seen as a step towards fostering leadership, confidence, and equality both on and off the field. CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger expressed his excitement about the decision, mentioning that it not only promotes athleticism but also provides more opportunities for female athletes to participate in sports.
The opportunities for female athletes are expanding, with more than a dozen NAIA colleges offering scholarships for girls flag football and the prospect of DII and DIII colleges following suit in the near future. Additionally, the sport is set to be included as an Olympic event at the 2028 games in Los Angeles. The Denver Broncos played a significant role in advocating for girls flag football in Colorado schools, providing financial assistance to schools that adopted the sport. Other organizations like Nike and USA Football also contributed by ensuring that teams had the necessary equipment and uniforms.
Carrie Walton Penner, one of the owners of the Denver Broncos and chair of the Denver Broncos Foundation Board, commented on the historic moment for Colorado and the impact it will have on girls in the state. She emphasized that beyond empowerment and teamwork, girls flag football creates a strong sense of belonging and community for the next generation of leaders. Jesse Sarles, who manages content and operations for CBSColorado.com, covers news and sports in and around the Denver area.