KHSAA to Introduce Pickleball and Girls Flag Football State Championships in 2027-28
✨ Coach, Parents & Player Tips
Coach’s Clipboard: Kick off game‐day prep by assigning two players to set up cones and chalk the endzones 20 minutes before kickoff—turns a chore into a leadership lesson, sneaks in a warm-up, and gives you a rare moment to breathe before the whistle blows.
Postgame Parents: When the oven timer’s on, have your kiddo crank out three tuck jumps between the stove and counter—secretly sneaking in explosive leg power and balance reps while you both giggle through your impromptu kitchen workout!
Players Snap: Kick off each huddle with a two-word mood check—one word for how you feel, one for how you’ll dominate; it’s quick, honest and hilarious when someone yells “tired–tear-it-up!”
🔎 Feature Story
🏅 KHSAA taking steps to offer pickleball and girls flag football
Kentucky’s High School Athletic Association Board of Control voted to develop regulations and timelines for state championships in pickleball (fall 2027-28) and girls flag football (spring 2027-28) after member schools showed strong support. These additions reflect the KHSAA’s commitment to diversifying athletic programs and expanding competitive opportunities for student-athletes statewide.
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🌍 Regional Roundup
Pennsylvania: Elizabethtown College will add women’s flag football as its 25th varsity sport beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, becoming the first NCAA Division III Landmark Conference school to sponsor the women’s game. The college has launched a national search for its inaugural head coach and taps into Pennsylvania’s network of over 30 existing programs amid the sport’s designation as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women.
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Illinois: The Illinois High School Association has trimmed the girls flag football season from six weeks to five for 2026, while adding a week to the boys tackle football schedule, a decision coaches say further limits an already brief campaign. Illinois remains among 23 states to officially sanction girls flag football, even as scheduling adjustments spark concerns over competitive equity.
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Massachusetts: St. Mary’s High School captured its third straight Division 1 girls flag football title at Merrimack College as the state’s programs grew from 51 to 90, with several schools launching junior varsity teams and Rhode Island debuting the sport with 10 squads. League leaders are pushing for official state sanctioning in Massachusetts to align with 23 other states and support the sport’s continued varsity-level expansion.
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⭐ Player Spotlight
Madison Crandon – Flag football standout for Plainedge Flag Football. She’s earned a spot in the USA Football Select Bowl, showcasing her talent among the nation’s elite and stepping onto the Team USA development pathway.
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“We are so proud of you, Madison,” Plainedge Flag Football officials shared. “Keep representing with hard work, heart, and Plainedge pride.”
📈 Flag Growth Focus
🔥 East Houston Flag Football Pathway
Be Someone Sports has launched a full-service flag football program in Deer Park, TX, offering leagues, camps, training and competitive teams for ages 8–17. Drawing from Deer Park ISD, Pasadena ISD and surrounding districts, the new setup creates a structured pathway from rec play to select-level competition in the East Houston Bay Area.
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🔥 Ravens Girls Flag Clinic Expansion
The Baltimore Ravens hosted a girls flag football clinic at M&T Bank Stadium during OTAs, engaging over 250 participants in skills sessions led by team trainers and players. This initiative strengthens the league’s community outreach and fosters youth flag participation among girls in the region.
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🔥 Marian University Women’s Flag Inaugural Season
Marian University kicked off its first women’s flag football program with a 25-player roster for the 2025-26 season, supported by new on-campus practice facilities and NCAA Emerging Sports alignment. Recruitment for the second season is underway, signaling sustained investment in expanding women’s collegiate flag football.
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⚡ FlagSnap Daily Blitz
Vikings Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson praised Minnesota girls flag football state championship players as “inspirational” after speaking to them at TCO Stadium ahead of their title games.
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At Fanatics Flag Football’s March exhibition, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady told Team USA captain Darrell Doucette to “shut up” following his sideline mockery of Brady’s complaints.
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Team USA quarterback Darrell Doucette earned MVP honors at the Fanatics Flag Football showcase by rushing for 76 yards, throwing for 67 yards and accounting for six touchdowns in a 24-14 win over NFL all-stars.
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More than 250 girls attended a free flag football clinic at M&T Bank Stadium led by Baltimore Ravens coaches and players, highlighting the team’s commitment to expanding the sport.
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The Baltimore Ravens’ VIP Day during OTAs gave fans rare behind-the-scenes access to team drills, pre-practice warm-ups and post-session celebrations.
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🏁 Final Whistle
“Earn your leadership every day.” — Michael Jordan
