The Kansas High School Girls FLAG Football season concluded on Saturday, October 26 when St. Thomas Aquinas High School defeated Sumner Academy of Arts & Science 32-20. The championship game was hosted by Olathe East High School.
"Being among the first to trailblaze Girls FLAG Football in Kansas and lead our team to a championship in the inaugural season has been an unforgettable experience," St. Thomas Aquinas High School Head Coach Sam Paradise said. Our players faced challenges in their first trial year, but watching them come back stronger, grow as athletes and develop as individuals is what makes coaching so rewarding. When asked if I was interested in forming a team, I didn't hesitate to say 'yes'. I wanted to give kids a chance to be part of something special in high school, and our team embraced every newcomer from the start. We didn't just build a team, we built a family."
"Congratulations to all the athletes of the 2024 season and for St. Thomas Aquinas for coming out on top," Chiefs Executive Vice President and Chief Media and Marketing Officer Lara Krug said. "We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and sportsmanship these women have shown. At the Chiefs, we are committed to empowering young girls through sports, providing opportunities that promote leadership, teamwork and confidence. Our Girls FLAG Football initiative is not only about winning on the field, but off the field as well, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes to break barriers and dream big. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact this program has on our community and beyond."
This year was the inaugural Kansas Public Schools High School Girls FLAG Football season, and 11 schools participated with a total of 13 teams. Throughout the season, four coaches were awarded Coach of the Week honors to acknowledge their superior performance and highlight the individuals who are shaping today's youth and tomorrow's leaders. The coaches recognized were Erin and Derrick Bowen of J.C. Harmon High School, Matt McNally of Wellsville High School, Dave Stephens of Osawatomie High School and Sam Paradise of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
FLAG Football is the fastest growing youth sport in the country, and for the first time it will be included as an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles games in 2028. The Chiefs are excited and more motivated than ever to continue to champion the expansion of the sport and help girls start playing from a young age through the national level. If you are interested in bringing Girls FLAG Football to your high school, please visit www.chiefs.com/hsflag.
The Kansas City Chiefs look forward to cheering on and supporting the teams participating in the Missouri High School Girls FLAG Football season that will occur this upcoming spring.
