Rising Stars: The New Generation of Women’s Flag Football
At just 17, Akemi Higa has become a headline act on the U.S. women’s national flag football team, a squad that is being reshaped by a wave of teenage talent. Higa, who grew up splitting time between Hawaii and Las Vegas, shares the quarterback role with her twin sister Akiko, and together they have already thrown for over 22,000 yards and 371 touchdowns in high school. Their arrival coincides with a measurable drop in the team’s average age, which has fallen by nearly two years over the past three seasons.
The team is now gearing up for the International Federation of American Football flag football world championships in Duesseldorf, Germany, where the competition will showcase the next generation of players. Among the prospects is Maci Joncich, a 20‑year‑old receiver/quarterback who recently signed with Cal Poly after a stint in the USA Football development program. Standout athletes such as Valentina Fanetti and Vanita Krouch have also been highlighted in recent coverage, while veteran presence remains in the form of Jorge Cascudo, whose experience helps mentor the younger cohort.
The surge in participation is reflected in the numbers: more than 68,800 girls played high school flag football in 2024, a 60 percent increase from the previous year according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. That growth has been fueled by grassroots programs across the country, from Chula Vista in California to Oahu in Hawaii, and has drawn attention from both collegiate and professional partners.
The NFL has thrown its weight behind the movement, with league executives and high‑profile figures like Mark Cuban and Aaron Rodgers publicly endorsing the sport’s expansion. Their support has helped secure funding for training centers and has accelerated plans for women’s flag football to achieve NCAA championship status and make its Olympic debut in 2028.
Beyond the women’s side, the men’s national team is also embracing youth, fielding prospects such as Jorge Cascudo Jr., Justin McMullen, and Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, who are all vying for a spot on the upcoming roster. Their inclusion signals a broader cultural shift that could redefine how the sport is structured at the international level.