The Austin Independent School District hosted its first-ever Girls Flag Football Tournament, with support from the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott. The new league is part of a growing movement to expand access to competitive sports for young women across Texas.
Twelve AISD high schools fielded teams in the district’s short-format, introduction-to-play season. The event kicked off on May 17, with a championship game held on May 23 at Burger Stadium. The season marks the first step toward a full spring league in 2025, when AISD will join the Cowboys’ broader varsity-level 7-on-7 program alongside over 100 high schools statewide.
According to Area Athletic Coordinator Crystal Victorino, the short tournament was organized to give graduating seniors a chance to participate ahead of next year’s full rollout. Interest among students was immediate, and support came from across campuses—including coaching help from boys’ football players and staff.
Girls flag football continues to grow rapidly across the U.S., with participation increasing 63% among girls aged 6–17 between 2019 and 2023. It’s currently recognized as a varsity sport in 14 states and will debut as an Olympic event at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Austin-based Concordia University Texas also became the first college in the state to launch a varsity women’s flag football team, reflecting the sport’s expanding presence at the collegiate level.
AISD joins districts such as Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Arlington ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Pflugerville ISD, in building opportunities for girls through NFL partnerships. Prescott praised the athletes for “breaking barriers to grow the game,” adding that he hopes the movement continues to create space for the next generation of players.
Sources: KXAN, KUT News, Austin ISD Instagram, Dallas Cowboys, Yahoo News
Blog by: Diana Xiao