Abbey Rustand, a 2019 Sabino High School graduate, has been appointed offensive coordinator for Arizona’s club flag football program and will lead the school’s inaugural flag football squad this fall.
A New Era for Sabino Flag Football
Rustand’s appointment follows a distinguished playing and coaching career that began in cheerleading, continued through college, and culminated in a silver‑medal performance as head coach of the Girls 12U White team at the USA Football Summer Series in Los Angeles.
A third‑generation athlete, she is the daughter of Sabino girls basketball coach Eric Rustand and granddaughter of former Arizona basketball star Warren Rustand, a legacy that has shaped her competitive drive.
Beyond the high school ranks, Rustand serves as an ambassador for the Tucson Gridiron League, a nonprofit that organizes year‑round 5‑on‑5, 6‑on‑6 and 7‑on‑7 tournaments across multiple divisions, and she recently earned a spot on the professional World Flag Series roster.
She will test her skills at the World Flag Series event in Tampa, Florida, on July 25, where she will be joined by fellow Salpointe alum Rylen Bourguet, marking a new chapter for Arizona flag football on the national stage.
The move signals Sabino’s transition to a 3A independent schedule this season, a strategic step that aligns with the growing popularity of flag football across the state.