A New Chapter for Irish Flag Football
Maddie Baehr, an 18‑year‑old from Manatee County, Florida, has earned a place on Ireland’s Women’s National Flag Football Team, a milestone that brings her a step closer to a lifelong Olympic dream.
Baehr’s journey began on the soccer fields of her hometown, where she first learned to chase a ball with her feet before swapping it for a football. Four years ago she picked up a flag‑football jersey, quickly mastering every position and catching the eye of selectors.
In early March, after traveling to Dublin for tryouts that featured NFL Combine‑style drills, Baehr was announced among the six athletes who will represent Ireland in an international friendly tournament in Amsterdam. Head coach Alan Barnewell highlighted her resilience, dedication and pride in her Irish roots, noting that her versatility has been a decisive factor.
The tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, where flag football is slated to make its Olympic debut. Baehr, who became a dual citizen through her mother’s lineage, says wearing the Irish jersey is a tribute to the family heritage that has shaped her ambitions.
Beyond the field, Baehr will continue her athletic career at McNeese State in Louisiana, where she has committed to play Division I soccer next year. Her schedule includes Zoom calls with teammates across Ireland and Northern Ireland, keeping her connected to the squad as they prepare for the World Championships in Germany this August.
With only six teams earning Olympic berths, Baehr knows the road ahead is competitive, but she remains focused on the ultimate goal: stepping onto the Olympic stage as a flag‑football player.