The second weekend of the inaugural High School Girls’ Flag Football league took place on June 7 at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, marking a milestone for the Madison School and Community Recreation program and drawing teams from East, Lafollette, Memorial, Verona and West High Schools into the first season of competition.
Physical education teacher Adam Smith, who spearheaded the effort, described the league as a response to a growing appetite for women’s flag football, a sport that will soon make its Olympic debut and is seeing rapid expansion at the collegiate level.
Funding and Partnerships
Smith worked closely with the Madison Metropolitan School District and MSCR to secure grants from the Green Bay Packers and USA Football, providing the necessary resources for officials, coaches and equipment that made the season possible.
Memorial High School has maintained an undefeated streak, moving to 4‑0, and every player on the roster has voiced a desire to continue the sport at the college level, underscoring the league’s potential as a pathway to scholarships.
Looking Ahead
Ian Hannah, MSCR’s after‑school supervisor, envisions the league gaining the same cultural traction as Friday Night Lights tackle football, while the pursuit of official WIAA sanctioning hinges on selecting a season that avoids conflict with other sports such as soccer, softball and track.
The next round of games is scheduled for this Sunday at Lussier Stadium, where organizers hope the momentum will carry the league toward broader recognition and expanded participation across the Madison area.