In the sweltering heat of a Florida afternoon, the sound of laughter and shouts of excitement filled the air as young girls gathered on the flag football field. It was a scene that had become all too familiar in the state, where girls' flag football had been a staple of high school sports for over two decades. While the rest of the nation was just beginning to take notice of the sport, Florida had already been blazing a trail.
With over 10,000 female players across four divisions and more than 450 participating schools, the state's program was a testament to its enduring popularity. Schools like Robinson and Alonso High School had established themselves as powerhouses, with Alonso boasting an impressive four state titles. Their coaches, many of whom were former players who had gone on to compete at the national level, now played a crucial role in guiding the next generation of athletes.
Deliah Autry-Jones, a former player who had joined the U. S. women's flag-football national team, was one such coach. She now assisted at Robinson, passing on her knowledge and experience to the young players. Despite the program's success, coaches acknowledged that there was still a challenge to be overcome. Translating Florida's head start into college opportunities and broader national recognition remained a hur ← →
While high school girls' flag football is booming nationally — with 14 states now sanctioning it as a competitive sport and participation growing ...Other references and insights: Visit website
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