Palisades Charter High School is set to debut a varsity girls’ flag football team this September, entering the competitive Western League alongside schools such as Venice, Westchester and Fairfax. The move marks the first time the Dolphins will field a varsity squad in the sport at the high school level.
A New Chapter for the Dolphins
Guiding the new program is head coach Linda Park, who recently shifted from coaching softball to the City Division III semifinals. Her recent experience and tactical acumen have already shaped the team's early preparations.
The roster currently includes 44 players, but Park plans to narrow the group to roughly 15 to 20 athletes for the season. The sport follows a seven‑on‑seven format on an 80‑yard field, distinguishing it from traditional tackle football.
The schedule calls for 12 league games and two non‑league matchups, with the first contest slated for September 10 against LACES. This structure reflects the growing organization of the Western League and the broader ambition to give the team a full competitive season.
Flag football’s rise across California is evident in participation numbers that have climbed from 52 schools in 2023 to 91 this year, surpassing traditional tackle football in some metrics. The sport is also slated to become an Olympic event at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, while a boys’ flag football pilot is set to begin with an expected 16 teams.
Palisades joins a select group of schools offering dedicated girls‑only flag football, alongside cheer, softball and beach volleyball, underscoring its commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for young women.