Girls flag football is now an officially recognized varsity sport in Washington, and schools in Whatcom County are preparing to launch their programs for the 2024–25 school year.
In a landmark decision this spring, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) sanctioned varsity girls flag football — the first new sport added to the WIAA lineup since 1999. Starting this fall, female athletes across the state will have the opportunity to compete in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Bellingham Area High School’s Plan to Varsity Girls Flag Football
According to Dana Smith, Communications Representative for Bellingham Public Schools, all three of the district’s comprehensive high schools are set to offer varsity flag football next year.
“My understanding is that all three of our comprehensive high schools will have varsity flag next year: Bellingham, Squalicum, and Sehome high schools,” Smith said.
Sehome High School Supports Growth of Girls Flag Football
“We are thrilled that flag football is now an official WIAA sport,” said Collin Cushman, athletic director at Sehome High School. “This past winter, Sehome, Bellingham, Squalicum, and Ferndale launched our programs with a condensed six-game schedule, held from January through February. Our goal was to build a foundation that would allow us to hit the ground running with a full season next year.”
Increasing Athletic Opportunities for Girls in Winter Sports
Cushman emphasized the importance of the sport for female athletes during the winter season.
“I’m also excited about expanding opportunities for girls during the winter season. Traditionally, this is the season with the fewest participation options and the lowest athlete turnout for girls. Varsity girls flag football provides a much-needed new pathway for engagement,” he said.
“We’re hopeful that additional schools from the Northwest Conference and Wesco will join in. Our ultimate vision is to establish a multi-classification District 1 conference for flag football.”
Ferndale High School Plans to Launch Varsity Girls Flag Football Team
Ferndale High School is also planning to launch its varsity girls’ flag football program this year.
“Yes, we are planning on offering it as a sport,” said Eric Trip, Ferndale athletic director. “We don’t know exactly when the season will be, but most likely, it will take place during the winter session.”
NWC and Wesco Schools Could Join the Competition
Trip noted that the team would likely compete against Bellingham and Whatcom County flag football teams, including high schools in the Northwest Conference that adopt the sport. There may also be crossover games with Wesco conference schools.
“There’s still a lot to work out at the District 1 level and with the WIAA, but we’re excited,” he said. “We think it’s a great opportunity to get more students involved. We ran flag football last winter, and it was well received — we can see it growing in the area.”
Ferndale Coach Excited for Growth of WIAA Flag Football
Ferndale head coach Don Hennings echoed that enthusiasm.
“I think it’s awesome,” Hennings said. “Flag football is the fastest-growing sport right now and will be an Olympic sport. The girls really enjoyed playing and learning last winter. I think with it becoming a varsity sport, it will only continue to grow and get better.”
Seattle Seahawks Help Bring WIAA Flag Football Statewide
The WIAA’s decision to add girls’ flag football follows an increase in interest and participation throughout the state. The Seattle Seahawks have been instrumental in promoting WIAA flag football, providing grant funding and organizing championship tournaments to support the development of new programs.
WIAA Executive Director Praises Schools for Leadership
WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman praised the collaborative effort that led to the sport’s approval.
“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,” Hoffman said. “We’re grateful 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.”
Hoffman added that athletic administrators across Washington demonstrated strong leadership during the process.
“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,” he said.
Whatcom County Schools Among First to Launch WIAA Flag Football
Currently, districts across Washington — including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Northshore, Auburn, and Kent — have embraced WIAA flag football, launching teams and participating in pilot programs.
Locally, Bellingham and Whatcom County flag football programs are leading the way, with other schools in the region expected to join soon.
