Rylen Bourguet, a seven‑time state champion who excelled in volleyball, beach volleyball and soccer while attending Salpointe Catholic, has taken a decisive step into the professional arena by signing with the newly launched World Flag Series professional league, known as WFS1. The Tucson native announced the move ahead of the league’s debut event, positioning herself among the elite athletes who will represent a new frontier for the sport.
The inaugural WFS1 showcase is scheduled for July 25 at Suncoast Credit Union Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where 30 of the world’s top players from ten different countries will be divided across three teams. The event marks a milestone for flag football, offering a global stage that organizers hope will accelerate the sport’s push toward Olympic inclusion, with the Los Angeles Games slated to feature the discipline in two years.
A Legacy of Athletic Excellence
Rylen’s decision is rooted in a family dynasty of athletes. Her father Toby Bourguet is widely credited with pioneering 7‑on‑7 talent development in Southern Arizona, while brother Trenton Bourguet once set passing records at Marana before transitioning to a coaching role with the Sun Devils. Cousins Coben and Treyson Bourguet have also left their marks, the former as a receiver for Arizona State and the latter as a fifth‑year senior quarterback at Brigham Young University who recently earned a business degree.
The connection to higher education extends beyond the Bourguet family. Phil Cutler, the founder of the World Flag Series and head coach of McGill University’s flag football program in Montreal, has been instrumental in shaping the league’s competitive framework. Cutler’s experience at the Canadian university level has brought a scholarly approach to player development and strategy.
Rylen Bourguet is currently a senior at Arizona State University, where she pursues a business degree while training for the professional circuit. She cites the multi‑sport environment of her upbringing as a catalyst for leadership skills and adaptability, qualities she believes will serve her well on the international stage as she aims to secure a spot on Team USA.
The convergence of family heritage, academic pursuit, and a global professional platform underscores a shifting narrative for flag football. As the sport inches closer to Olympic recognition, athletes like Bourguet are not only chasing personal accolades but also helping to chart a sustainable future for a discipline that has long been relegated to the sidelines.