Denver, CO – In a groundbreaking move, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport, marking a significant stride in high school athletics. The historic decision, announced during a joint press conference hosted by the Denver Broncos and CHSAA, comes after months of advocacy and dedication from student-athletes, coaches, and supporters.
Carrie Walton Penner, the owner of the Denver Broncos, expressed her admiration for the young women who spearheaded this initiative, stating, “Most of all, I want to recognize all the incredible young women, the student athletes who have made this a reality.” This sentiment was echoed by CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger, who emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for female athletes and the foundational principles of inclusivity and empowerment.
“This is a historic day and a historic moment for the young girls, all the young females in our state,” Commissioner Krueger declared. “It was a question that demanded our attention, our action, and our unwavering commitment to equality and opportunity.”
CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger
The journey towards sanctioning girls’ flag football was not without its challenges, but the resounding support from the community and the dedication of the athletes propelled the movement forward. Saylor Swanson, quarterback for Arvada West High School and a key advocate for the sport, reflected on the transformative impact of the past two seasons. “These past two seasons have been life-changing for Arvada West and our team,” Swanson shared. “Representing the Denver Broncos in regionals and nationals and winning the Flag Football State Championship has been an incredible honor.”
The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by Swanson and her teammates are emblematic of the passion and talent within the Colorado girls’ flag football community. As one anonymous player attested, “Every flag football player in Colorado has tremendous knowledge of the game, are exceptional playmakers, and have a genuine love and passion for football.”
President Damani Leech highlighted the incredible viewership numbers of women’s sports events,
“We’re in an unprecedented period of commercial success for women’s sports, both collegiately and professionally. when you have 20 million people watching women’s Final Four National Championship game, that is incredible… women’s sports have proven to be good business. This is a really special time in that regard.”
The decision to sanction girls’ flag football opens doors for countless young athletes to pursue their passion and showcase their skills on a competitive stage. With the support of the Denver Broncos and CHSAA, these athletes have the opportunity to write their own chapters in the rich tapestry of Colorado high school sports history.
Allie Engelken, Vice President of Community Impact for the Denver Broncos, shared her perspective on the broader impact of girls’ flag football becoming sanctioned. She emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for girls to succeed, both on and off the field, saying,
“For girls flag football to become sanctioned and an option for girls across our state means that there are more homes and places and senses of belonging that we can create as a state for girls to succeed. we believe that there are mental, emotional and physical benefits to playing high school athletics, and we see it transcend far beyond the field. int the classroom , we see greater attendance when girls participate in sports, we see high grades and wee more dedication to the school building, all which impacts a community as a whole. this is just the first step. I hope that girls in Colorado feel supported and I hope that they feel seen.”
Looking ahead to the future, the prospects for girls’ flag football in Colorado are bright. “This season was a dream come true for my teammates and me,” remarked another player. “Colorado Girls Flag Football is so excited for next season, the sky’s the limit to what the future holds for Colorado.”
Bobby Maestas, Director of Youth & High School Football Development, expressed gratitude to the schools that participated in the pilot program for girls’ flag football. He acknowledged the challenges involved in introducing a new sport but emphasized the importance of their courage and commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes, saying, “Thank you to the schools that took a chance on the pilot. We know that adding a new sport is not an easy task. Without that courage to take this on, we’d have no place to start… Without the schools, without athletic directors, the players, and coaches, none of this is around.”
It’s a new era of empowerment and opportunity in Colorado high school athletics. The sanctioning of girls’ flag football serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the athletes who refused to be sidelined by outdated norms and expectations. With the support of the community and organizations like the Denver Broncos and CHSAA, the future of girls’ flag football in Colorado is bright.
Denver Sports Media 