First-ever flag football team wins third in state
More than 60 girls took part in the Valor Christian High School inaugural flag football season. They won third in the state.
Competitive, successful, challenging and blessed.
These are just a few words from Valor Christian High School coaches and players to describe the girls first-ever flag football season. The team placed third in the state.
“We were truly blessed going 15-3 and losing in the state semi-final game,” said Coach Bronson Stewart. “We defeated both the teams who played in the 4-A state championship game.”
Stewart also said the interest in joining the flag football team was off the charts. “We had 60 kids join our program this season. We fully filled two JV teams and a varsity team for a full season schedule.”
Senior Delaney McCullum of the Forest Park neighborhood played center on the team.
“There hasn’t been much female representation on the football field, but that is quickly changing,” said Delaney. “Every girl on the team showed up and worked hard because we all value the younger girls in the stands looking up to us as female athletes in a male-dominated sport.”
Delaney continued that she considers all the girls on the team like her family and she recommends to any younger girl to consider playing flag football. “It was the best decision I ever made; it is an amazing opportunity to join a fast-growing sport with a supportive community.”
Stewart agreed and said that, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get in on the ground floor.” In many other sports, a lot of teammates may have been playing since they were very young, which can make those starting the sport in high school feel left behind. But with a new sport like flag football, everyone is starting at the same level.
Stewart said that Valor is excited to grow the sport. “We offer a flag football summer camp for girls that we hope will double our numbers, as well as we are looking into club and league options for kids, especially in the spring. Ultimately, we want more player and community involvement.”
Delaney stressed football will forever be seen differently now. “‘You throw a football like a girl’ will have no negative associations, because I know all these girls have infinite potential to show how strong and capable we are.”
The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned girls flag football starting this 2024-2025 season.
By Karen Leigh; photo courtesy of Delaney McCallum
