A small but determined girls flag football team from Fort Wayne, Indiana, is setting its sights on a landmark tournament in Naples, Florida, hoping to showcase the growing popularity of the sport among young women.
A Team Forged in January
Formed earlier this year, the squad — nicknamed Traction — has already compiled an impressive résumé, capturing the Pylon National Championship in Westfield, Indiana, and competing in five national tournaments overall.
Their ambition now extends beyond the Midwest. The team is raising roughly $20,000 to cover travel, hotel stays, tournament fees, meals and transportation, and as of Wednesday evening had secured $11,335 toward that goal.
Mylee Hurse, a key player on the roster, discovered flag football after hearing that local high schools were launching programs. Since then, her career has accelerated faster than she imagined, with colleges beginning to scout games and recruit talent.
Assistant Coach Derrion White emphasizes the team's close‑knit dynamic, noting that unity, faith and mutual reliance are as vital on the field as they are off it.
Beyond the scoreboard, the players hope to dismantle stereotypes and illuminate a bright future for women’s sports, using each match as a platform for broader cultural change.