A long silence fell over the field as Sacred Hearts Academy freshman Kuuleialohilani Martin adjusts her stance, her heart pounding with anticipation. She and her teammates represented the school’s inaugural flag football team in a recent scrimmage, a milestone made possible by the sport’s recent sanctioning for Hawaii high schools. This moment was more than just a game; it was a historic step for female athletes in the state.
For Martin, the opportunity to play flag football is a dream come true.
“Ever since I was little, I was surrounded by people who loved football—talking about it and playing it, but I never had a chance to play myself,” said Martin, whose father is a former Saint Louis School (SLS) football player and encouraged her to try out for the team. Both of her younger brothers play football.
Hawaii is the 12th state to sanction flag football as a high school sport, marking a significant advancement in gender equity in athletics. The official season kicked off a few weeks ago, with seven schools from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) participating. Athletes from the Academy joined ILH’s PAC-Five team, which consists of players from smaller private schools.
Overcoming hurdles to recognition
While flag football has long been played recreationally, its journey to official high school recognition was met with obstacles. Many athletic programs initially hesitated, fearing the sport would divert resources from established programs. Budget constraints also posed challenges.
“There were many challenges while sanctioning girls’ flag football as a sport,” Academy Athletic Director Ryan Hogue said. “There are finance and logistical issues, including paying for uniforms, equipment, transportation, coaches’ salaries and finding fields for practices and games.”
Over recent years, the push to sanction girls’ flag football gained momentum through youth leagues, pilot programs and community advocacy. As interest in the sport grew, major organizations, including the National Football League (NFL), provided funding and visibility, while local sponsors like Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) contributed essential gear, such as mouth guards and flags.
Gender equity advocates and Title IX, a law prohibiting gender-based discrimination in any federally-funded program, also played a role in emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities for female athletes.
Changing landscape for female athletes
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation in girls’ flag football has increased by nearly 40% over the past decade. The introduction of girls’ flag football at the high school level has the potential to significantly impact women’s sports, according to Pac-Five Head Coach Koy Omo.
“(Playing flag football) makes me feel good about myself,” said Academy sophomore Joy Gora-Aina, whose brother plays on SLS’ football team. “People are starting to take a chance on girls, (and) this shows that girls can do the same things that boys can do– but better.”
In 2020, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) officially recognized flag football as a championship sport, and several NAIA schools now offer athletic scholarships. Additionally, the NFL has collaborated with the NAIA and the Women’s Flag Football Coalition to expand college-level opportunities for female athletes.
Community support and training initiatives
The enthusiasm for girls’ flag football has been evident in community-driven initiatives. The Seattle Seahawks and Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) recently hosted a free training camp designed to help female athletes prepare for the season. Each day, the event drew more than 150 participants from across the state. The camp covered basic football training, from throwing to catching and defensive strategies.
Academy senior and flag football athlete Peyton Bennett participated. She was particularly inspired by her father, Michael Bennett, a former Seattle Seahawks defensive end. He shared his expertise as a coach at the event.
“My football upbringing has definitely positively affected my enthusiasm for the sport,” she said. “My dad was very excited when I told him that I was trying out, and he’s been helping me a lot and is very supportive, coming to practices and watching my film.”
The unique challenge of flag football
Understanding the mechanics of the game is crucial, players say, especially as flag football requires a different skill set than other traditional high school sports. Flag football is a fast-paced game in which two teams of seven players attempt to score by advancing the football to the end zone. Unlike tackle football, players must reach their side of the field without having their flags—secured around their waist—pulled by an opponent. The game requires speed, agility and strategic execution on both offense and defense.
“Flag football is like a fast break in basketball because it requires players to throw and catch while making quick defensive decisions against a moving opponent,” Omo said.
Omo, who has been coaching the Lancers through their inaugural season, emphasizes the demanding nature of the sport.
“Playing flag football will be one of the hardest experiences of their lives, but in the end, they will become stronger students and contributors to their community and the state of Hawaii.”
For the Academy athletes, the learning curve has been steep.
“Football is very fast paced, and no sport I played was similar,” Bennett said. “It’s a lot of adaptation, but a good mindset and continuous effort is all you need to overcome it.”
Martin echoed the sentiment, noting that while she is still mastering the sport’s technical aspects, she remains determined.
“My throwing and catching technique still needs work, but I’ve been practicing with my dad and learning from my mistakes,” she said. “My biggest challenge is understanding the formation lines and plays. It will take time, but I know I’ll get it down.”
Looking ahead
As the sport continues to grow, many see it as more than just a game; it’s a movement shaping the future of women’s athletics.
“I am excited to contribute to this historic step for Hawaii, but I’m even prouder of these students, who will carry this experience with them for the rest of their lives,” Omo said.
The excitement of being part of the team outweighed any apprehension. Being part of the Academy’s first flag football team is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, they said.
“We are the future and the first in a new and upcoming sport,” Bennett said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of this team, as I learn something everyday. It’s not just about the sport, but the lessons we learn from it.”
