Nisqually Valley News staff
As high school girls flag football continues to rise in popularity throughout Washington and the United States, on Monday, April 21, the WIAA officially sanctioned the winter sport effective Aug. 1.
The ruling marks the first time since 1999 that the WIAA has sanctioned a new sport. According to a news release from the organization, the ruling provides female student athletes with a new opportunity to take part in a healthy, organized activity and competition — if their school offers the athletic program.
“I am incredibly thankful for the membership’s hard work throughout this amendment cycle, and the WIAA is excited to welcome a new activity to the Association. We’re thankful to the Seattle Seahawks and James Neil for their leadership in helping bring Girls Flag Football to this point, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as the sport grows statewide,” Executive Director Mick Hoffman said in a media release. “This process has highlighted the leadership and dedication of athletic administrators from across the state, who have spent months engaging in thoughtful discussions and collaboration. Their commitment ensured the amendment process was both inclusive and effective, and we’re proud to move forward with changes that reflect the voices of our member schools.”
Last season, Total Sports Development (TSD) welcomed female athletes from Yelm High School to join the team. TSD competed in the 4A SPSL against teams such as Emerald Ridge, Olympia, Bethel, Graham-Kapowsin and others. It has not been announced if the program will return again for the 2025-26 program under TSD’s leadership or as a YHS branch.
