Maddie Baehr, an 18‑year‑old graduate of Braden River High School, has earned a place on Ireland’s women’s national flag football team that will compete in an upcoming international tournament in Amsterdam.
A New Chapter for Irish Flag Football
The selection marks the culmination of a journey that began on Florida’s soccer fields, where Baehr chased a ball before she could walk. Through her mother’s lineage she obtained dual citizenship and traveled to Dublin for tryouts, impressing coaches with her agility and game sense.
Head coach Alan Barnewell praised the newcomer, saying she embodies the spirit of Irish sport — resilience, dedication, and pride in her roots. Baehr has already joined virtual meetings with teammates scattered across Ireland and Northern Ireland, building chemistry ahead of the Amsterdam event.
Beyond flag football, Baehr is set to begin her Division I soccer career at McNeese State next year, a pathway that could ultimately lead her to the Olympic stage. She has spoken of her lifelong dream of representing a nation at the Games, never imagining it would be through flag football.
The sport is slated to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and Baehr’s inclusion in the Irish squad offers a glimpse of the talent that could soon compete on that world stage. Her excitement is palpable, as is the pride of her family, who celebrated with tears when the selection was announced.
As the tournament approaches, the young athlete remains focused on honing her skills and embracing the unique opportunity to wear the green jersey on an international stage.