A New Era for Girls Sports in Greeley
Northridge High School in Greeley, Colorado, is preparing to field a girls flag football team for the first time in the Greeley‑Evans School District 6, marking a milestone for female athletics in the community.
The initiative, driven by athletic director Jeff Collins and supported by district officials, will field both varsity and sub‑varsity squads beginning this fall, with a schedule of up to 15 games that runs from mid‑August through mid‑October.
Star Athletes Join the Inaugural Squad
Among the early signees are senior‑to‑be Sophia Carbajal, a top‑three scorer in basketball and a multi‑sport standout, and Briann Huffman, who brings her own experience to the new program. Carbajal expressed excitement about helping launch the team from the ground up.
Collins, who has pursued a dedicated girls program for three to four years, said the addition of flag football aligns with the district’s goal of providing more pathways for young women to compete.
A Growing National Landscape
The move reflects a broader trend: flag football is one of the fastest‑growing sports in the country, according to data from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Football League. Colorado now joins 22 other states that have officially sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity sport.
The team will compete in the 4A Northern League B, sharing the league with new programs from Highland and Fort Lupton, while the district envisions a future where all three larger Greeley high schools field similar teams.
Looking Ahead
With a coach expected to be in place by the end of the month, the program aims to engage more students and give them another platform to showcase their talents. The success of this inaugural season could set the stage for expansion across the region.