HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – It’s a milestone week for Hawaii high school athletics as the state’s first ever girls flag football season is about to begin.
Over the weekend, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association and Seattle Seahawks teamed up to host two clinics ahead of the upcoming inaugural season, and it’s clear hundreds of student-athletes can’t wait to suit up.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that you know starting something new, especially since it’s a new sport,” said Campbell Sabers quarterback and safety Alexiis Amanonce-Feliciano.
About 1,000 girls from nearly 60 public and private schools are expected to play the historic first season.
Practices begin this week and the year culminates with a 12-team state tournament in late April.
“Growing up, I thought I would have to drop football once I got to high school because it just wasn’t an option for me, but having it finally be in high school is a big opportunity for me and I think it can take me far,” said Aiea wide receiver and defensive back Zoey Naboa.
As the season opens, resources are in place to ensure this isn’t just a one-year trial run.
The NFL and Seahawks offered grants for equipment, uniforms are coming from Nike, and Marcus Mariota’s Motiv8 Foundation is providing support funding.
“What a great way to get things going, so that hopefully it can spread quickly to all states through the country so that we can really highlight the successes that I know is gonna be there for girls flag football,” said Hawaii superintendent Keith Hayashi.
Hawaii is now just the 12th state to sanction the sport at the high school level and it’s on on the rise.
According to USA Flag, in three years, over 100 colleges could be offering flag football programs.
The sport will also make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
“It’s been a long time coming for the sport for girls flag football,” said Campbell head coach Wilson Naboa. “My daughter has played since she was 2 years old. She’s able to use that as a high school sport and not only that, but another vehicle for a means to get to college. I think it’s great what they’re doing for the state and the sport just elevating girls in general.”
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
This content is reposted from the source: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/02/25/its-been-long-time-coming-hawaiis-first-girls-flag-football-season-gets-ready-kick-off/
