Evin Groves stepped onto the field at Bozeman High not just as a former Montana State running back, but as the head coach of the school’s first girls’ flag football team. Joined by his former teammate Clevan Thomas Jr., the duo brought a blend of playing experience and coaching ambition to a program that had only just begun to take shape.
Thomas, who starred at Montana State in 2022 and 2023 as a wide receiver, often points to flag football as the crucible that sharpened his agility and speed. He explains that the quick‑change movements required on the flag field translated directly into the route‑running precision that later helped him succeed in tackle football at the collegiate level.
During a recent practice, the players responded enthusiastically to the structured drills that Thomas and Groves had designed. The coaches emphasized fundamentals — footwork, timing, and communication — while allowing the girls to experiment with plays that mirrored the Bobcat playbook Groves wanted to embed from day one.
A New Chapter for Girls' Sports in Bozeman
The launch of the program reflects a broader shift in how high schools are expanding athletic opportunities for young women, blending innovative sport formats with the expertise of former collegiate athletes. Thomas spoke openly about the responsibility he feels toward the community that supported his own rise, noting that the program also serves as a conduit for introducing more young athletes to the sport.
The team’s rapid grasp of the playbook has set a promising tone for the inaugural season. Groves believes that the combination of disciplined practice and a culture rooted in Montana State’s traditions will not only build a competitive squad but also inspire greater participation in girls’ sports across the region.