A New Era for Student Athletes
The Columbus Municipal School District is adding girls flag football and Esports as new varsity sports, bringing the total number of extracurricular athletic activities to more than two dozen.
District officials say the move is intended to give more students a chance to participate, discover hidden talents and feel a stronger connection to their schools.
Girls flag football, a sport that has been sanctioned in Mississippi since January 2025 and is now offered by 14 states at the high school level, will see the Falcons become the second local team to field a squad, following West Point’s inaugural season that ended 3‑2.
Esports will provide a non‑traditional competitive outlet, with students competing online and occasionally traveling for matches, while several colleges already offer scholarships that align with the district’s goal of linking competition to technology and career pathways.
The district is currently finalizing coaching staff for both programs, drawing on existing football personnel to support the girls football team and planning a schedule that blends virtual contests with occasional in‑person events.
Beyond the scoreboard, participation is expected to boost confidence, develop teamwork skills and open doors to future educational and professional opportunities in the tech sector.