The St. Clairsville‑Richland City School District announced last week that girls flag football will become an official school sport, marking the first such recognition in the Ohio Valley.
Superintendent Christina Laudermilt said the move opens another avenue for student involvement beyond traditional athletics and the arts, giving girls a new platform to compete.
Head coach Jessica Cook, together with her husband, offensive coordinator Courtney Cook, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential, noting that the district hopes other schools will follow suit.
Undefeated First Season
The inaugural season concluded undefeated with a 6‑0 record, a performance that has generated excitement for the upcoming spring campaign.
Quarterback Kiya Kyer, who previously played middle school tackle football, said returning to the field in a flag format has been a long‑awaited opportunity.
Center Karlee Higgins highlighted the team’s collective hard work as a key factor in earning the district’s approval, while receiver Kaylee Shafer celebrated being part of both school and Ohio Valley history.
With the roster expected to grow to 12 to 15 players next spring, the district anticipates continued expansion of the program.