Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, unveiled its inaugural girls flag football team this August, bringing together 32 athletes who began preseason drills under the guidance of head coach Andrew Wilson.
Coach Wilson, who has been overseeing skill‑development sessions since late July, designed the workouts to accommodate rising ninth‑through twelfth‑grade girls, focusing on fundamentals and game readiness.
Tryouts for the program kicked off on August 31, with regular‑season competition slated to open on September 9, while the crowning state championship is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
Practices are held on the school’s baseball outfield, where a synthetic turf surface is being installed to meet the team’s needs; players are required to have an up‑to‑date physical and to register through the FamilyID portal before taking the field.
A Milestone for Girls Sports
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association officially sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity sport earlier this year, making Watauga’s team one of the first in the state to compete under the new framework.
Local officials and parents alike have expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, citing the program’s potential to broaden athletic options for young women and to foster community engagement.
As the season progresses, the team will balance practice commitments with academic responsibilities, aiming to build a competitive yet inclusive program that could serve as a model for other districts.