A New Era for Girls’ Sports in Maryland
St. Mary’s County is set to field its inaugural girls flag football season this spring, marking the first organized varsity competition for female athletes in the region.
The effort is backed by a coalition that includes the Baltimore Ravens and sportswear giant Under Armour, which have pledged more than $1 million in equipment, uniforms and coaching resources.
Maryland’s rapid expansion mirrors a national surge; the state grew from just ten participating schools in 2023 to more than 130 by 2026, making it the most extensive program of its kind in the country.
Shamar Gray, the Ravens’ football outreach coordinator, described the initiative as an investment in local communities, noting that the sport’s growth has far outpaced early expectations and has opened new varsity pathways for girls.
Tom LaNeve, a longtime youth coach and lead instructor for the Ravens’ football outreach, said the organization’s focus is on widening access, and that participation numbers have already eclipsed forecasts across multiple counties.
Kai Ford, a sophomore at Leonardtown High School, said she attended a Ravens‑run clinic because of her love for the game and the chance to meet peers who share her passion, while Katie Turgeon, a Lexington Park parent, recalled her daughter’s immediate enthusiasm after seeing the new varsity offering.
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, which will oversee the league, says the season will serve as a model for other states, leveraging the region’s deep football culture to champion gender equity in athletics.