Phoenix, AZ, January 1, 2026
Two exceptional young athletes from Hamilton and Red Mountain High Schools in Phoenix have secured spots in the NFL Flag Girls Showcase, highlighting the growth of girls’ flag football in Arizona. With over 130 teams now participating in the sport, this achievement not only celebrates individual talent but also underscores the importance of community support and dedicated coaching. As Arizona’s high school flag football scene flourishes, local programs continue to develop young women into confident athletes and leaders, promoting teamwork, discipline, and character building.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Talent Shines: Hamilton, Red Mountain Athletes Headed to NFL Flag Showcase
Two exceptional athletes from Phoenix-area high schools, Hamilton and Red Mountain, have earned a coveted spot in the 2026 NFL FLAG Girls Showcase, bringing state-level recognition to Arizona’s rapidly expanding flag football scene. This selection underscores the growing prominence of girls’ flag football and celebrates the dedication and skill cultivated in local programs.
The journey of these young women represents more than personal achievement; it reflects the robust development of high school flag football across Phoenix and the entire state. The sport, officially sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) as a varsity sport in December 2022, launched its inaugural season in 2023. Since then, it has seen remarkable growth, with over 130 high schools now fielding girls’ flag football teams across 3A to 6A classes. This rapid expansion provides significant opportunities for female athletes to develop character, leadership, and athletic prowess within a competitive environment, fostering personal growth both on and off the field. The community’s embrace of this sport is a testament to its commitment to supporting youth in their athletic and personal endeavors.
Arizona Leads the Charge in Girls Flag Football
Arizona continues to be represented Nationwide in flag football, with its high school programs gaining increasing attention. The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s decision to sanction girls’ flag football was a pivotal moment, recognizing the sport’s potential to empower young women. This move positioned Arizona alongside other states like Nevada, California, and New York in quickly adopting the sport at the high school level. The Arizona Cardinals have been instrumental in fueling this growth, offering camps, college showcases, and even hosting all-star games. The collaborative efforts of school leaders, coaches, and the NFL have laid a strong foundation for the sport’s future, creating a vibrant landscape for Phoenix AZ high school flag football.
The Prestigious NFL FLAG Girls Showcase
The NFL FLAG Girls Showcase is a Nationwide event designed for high school girls graduating between 2023 and 2027, providing a significant platform for athletic exposure. During this one-day showcase, participating athletes are evaluated through a series of position-specific and agility drills. It offers an invaluable opportunity for players to display their talents directly to NAIA and NJCAA flag football coaches. The showcase also serves as an educational hub, allowing athletes to gain insights into the college recruiting process and better understand the student-athlete experience, fostering their aspirations for collegiate sports. This initiative is a core component of NFL FLAG’s “Female in Flag” program, which is committed to expanding opportunities for female athletes Nationwide who are passionate about flag football.
Hamilton Huskies: A Legacy of Excellence
Hamilton High School’s flag football program has established itself as a powerhouse in Arizona prep sports. The Huskies were the 2024 State Champions, demonstrating consistent excellence and a winning culture. In the 2023 season, Hamilton’s team finished as a semifinalist in the 6A state playoffs, with a remarkable 20-0 overall record. The program’s success is a direct result of strong coaching and dedicated athletes who embody the principles of teamwork and discipline. Hamilton coach Matt Stone played a key role in the State-level effort to get flag football sanctioned in Arizona, highlighting the program’s broader impact on the sport’s development. The selection of Hamilton athletes for a Nationwide showcase further solidifies their program’s reputation for developing top-tier talent.
Red Mountain Mountain Lions: Rising Stars
Red Mountain High School has also made significant strides in girls’ flag football, showcasing formidable talent and competitive spirit. In 2025, the Mountain Lions demonstrated their grit and determination in the 6A state championship game, coming within two yards of an upset against Hamilton, ultimately falling 21-17. Key players like quarterback Korey Roberts, Cadence McCanless, and Ava Klene have been pivotal to Red Mountain’s success, making significant contributions on both offense and defense. The Mountain Lions also secured impressive victories in November 2025, defeating Liberty 17-0, Highland 28-24, and Mountain View 24-17. The selection of Red Mountain athletes for the NFL FLAG Girls Showcase highlights their individual skill and the team’s commitment to excellence.
Building Character and Community Through Sports
Flag football offers numerous benefits beyond the scoreboard, cultivating essential life skills for young athletes. As a non-contact sport, it prioritizes safety while still developing fundamental athletic abilities such as agility, speed, hand-eye coordination, and quick decision-making. Beyond physical development, the sport is a powerful teacher of teamwork, discipline, mental toughness, and positive socialization. These qualities are invaluable, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for challenges both on and off the field. The growth of youth sports development in Phoenix, AZ, particularly in flag football, is creating opportunities for athletes to learn accountability, leadership, and the impact of positive sportsmanship.
Community Engagement and Support
The success of high school athletic programs, including girls’ flag football, is deeply intertwined with strong community support. Local businesses play a vital role through sponsorships, with their contributions directly funding essential equipment, apparel, and video analysis tools for teams. Parental involvement is equally crucial, often serving as the backbone of booster clubs that channel resources directly back into the athletic programs. Initiatives like the Arizona Community Foundation and Athletes for Arizona are dedicated to galvanizing sports philanthropy statewide, connecting organizations and individuals who recognize the positive impact of sports on community well-being. Partnerships with organizations like Banner Health, America First Credit Union, and Gatorade further strengthen the resources available to Arizona’s high school athletes, ensuring they have the best opportunities to succeed. This collective investment not only supports athletic achievement but also reinforces school pride and community identity.
Conclusion
The selection of Hamilton and Red Mountain athletes for the 2026 NFL FLAG Girls Showcase is a moment of pride for Phoenix, AZ, and a clear indicator of the bright future for girls’ flag football in the state. These achievements are a testament to the athletes’ hard work, the dedication of their coaches, and the unwavering support from their schools and communities. As Arizona’s prep sports continue to thrive, stories like these inspire us all to celebrate the power of competition, teamwork, and personal responsibility. We encourage our readers to attend local games, support our incredible high school athletic programs, and follow HEREPhoenix.com for more uplifting stories of triumph and dedication. Your engagement strengthens our community and helps build the next generation of leaders and champions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NFL FLAG Girls Showcase?
The NFL FLAG Girls Showcase is a Nationwide event for high school girls graduating between 2023 and 2027. It provides a platform for athletes to be evaluated in position-specific and agility drills by NAIA and NJCAA flag football coaches.
Which Phoenix-area high schools had athletes selected for the 2026 NFL FLAG Girls Showcase?
Athletes from Hamilton High School and Red Mountain High School were selected for the 2026 NFL FLAG Girls Showcase.
When was girls’ flag football sanctioned as a varsity sport in Arizona?
The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport in December 2022, with its first season launching in 2023.
What are some benefits of playing flag football?
Flag football is a non-contact sport that develops athletic skills such as agility, speed, hand-eye coordination, and quick decision-making. It also teaches teamwork, discipline, mental toughness, and socialization.
How does the community support high school athletic programs in Arizona?
Local businesses provide sponsorships, with funds managed by booster clubs and used for equipment, apparel, and video needs. Parental support is also significant, and organizations like the Arizona Community Foundation and Athletes for Arizona aim to galvanize sports philanthropy Statewide.
Key Features of Girls’ Flag Football in Arizona
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctioned Sport | Officially recognized as a varsity sport by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) in December 2022. | State-level |
| Growth in Participation | Expanded from 54 teams in its inaugural 2023 season to over 130 high schools across 3A-6A classes. | State-level |
| NFL Support | The Arizona Cardinals have been instrumental in fueling the sport’s growth, hosting camps and showcases. | State-level |
| Collegiate Pathways | NAIA colleges offer flag football scholarships, and Arizona State University has launched a women’s club flag football team. | State-level |
| NFL FLAG Girls Showcase | A one-day Nationwide event for high school girls to gain exposure to NAIA and NJCAA college coaches through drills and evaluations. | Nationwide |
| Benefits for Athletes | Non-contact sport that develops agility, speed, hand-eye coordination, quick decision-making, teamwork, discipline, mental toughness, and socialization. | Nationwide |
| Community Involvement | Local business sponsorships and parental support are vital, with funds used for equipment, apparel, and team needs. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
