A new era for the women’s game
The United States women’s flag football squad is heading to Duesseldorf, Germany, for the International Federation of American Football world championships, but the team that will step onto the field looks markedly different from the squads of recent years. A decisive shift toward youth is underway, driven by a 17‑year‑old quarterback who is already drawing attention for her arm strength and poise.
Akemi Higa, a senior from Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas who moved from Oahu in 2022, is among a half‑dozen players under 21 competing for a dozen spots on the final roster. The camp serves as the last evaluation before the coaching staff trims the group from 18 to 12, a process that will determine who ultimately represents Team USA on the international stage.
The average age of the women’s team has fallen to 26, nearly two years younger than it was three seasons ago, while the men’s side has also seen a modest dip, from 29.4 to 28.6. For many of the youngsters, making the roster is more than a personal milestone; it is a stepping stone toward the sport’s looming NCAA championship status and a guaranteed place on the Olympic program when it debuts in 2028.
The surge in participation is reflected in the numbers: more than 68,800 girls played high school flag football in 2024, a 60 % increase over the previous year. The growth has attracted corporate and celebrity backing, with Mark Cuban and Aaron Rodgers among the philanthropists who have invested in USA Football to expand opportunities for female athletes.
The NFL has also thrown its weight behind the movement, promoting the women’s game alongside the men’s and supporting grassroots initiatives. Behind the scenes, veteran coach Jorge Cascudo, a flag‑football legend, now guides the men’s national team, while his son Jorge Cascudo Jr. and teammate Justin McMullen, both 21, battle for a place on the German‑bound squad. The oldest player on the men’s roster, quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, stands at 36, underscoring the generational contrast.
Higa’s own journey illustrates the breadth of the talent pool. She honed her skills on the islands of Hawaii before relocating to Nevada, where she amassed 22,476 passing yards and 371 touchdowns in high school. Her rise mirrors the broader narrative of a sport that is shedding its niche image and stepping onto a national stage.
As the world championships approach, the blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent promises a competitive showcase that could accelerate the sport’s institutional legitimacy. The upcoming tournament may well serve as the final audition for many of these players ahead of the 2028 Olympic debut, a milestone that could reshape the landscape of American football forever.