Local Flag Football Stars Shine: Scholarships Roll In for Young Athletes!

Seminole County, USA - In an inspiring turn of events for high school athletes in Florida, girls‘ flag football is lighting up the field, with an increasing number of players receiving college offers. This wave of success is particularly evident among graduates from Lake Brantley High School and Seminole High School, showcasing the promising potential of this emerging sport.

Dawson Berehowsky and Kassidy Hensley, who both graduated from Lake Brantley High School in 2023, made headlines when they switched from their respective sports—track and field for Berehowsky, and softball for Hensley—to flag football. This decision bore fruit swiftly, as both athletes garnered multiple college offers in their debut season of play. Berehowsky stood out on the field, leading the team in touchdowns and averaging over 50 yards per game. College offers poured in from institutions including Hendrix, Cottey, Milligan, Warner, Midland, Purdue Northwestern, and Saint Leo. Meanwhile, Hensley excelled in defense, leading the team with five interceptions and claiming the title for the most flag pulls with an impressive average of five per game, earning offers from Cottey and Saint Leo as well, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Success at Seminole High School

Over at Seminole High School, seven senior girls made an equally remarkable mark in flag football, each earning athletic scholarships to continue their careers at the collegiate level. Coach Eric Martin noted that the program is only two years old, and this milestone highlights not just the players’ growth but also the rapid rise of the sport itself. Gianna Diaz, who took to the field for the first time as a junior, committed to Florida Memorial University. She expressed the selection process as both exciting and emotional. Shyla Fideum was equally impressed by the opportunities that have blossomed since the inception of the program, as she committed to Pratt Community College. Mikazia Carmenatty, who joined later than her teammates due to injury, noted the strong camaraderie within the team, benefiting all from their shared experiences, as highlighted by Fox 35 Orlando.

The Rising Tide of Women’s Flag Football

Women’s flag football is not just a fleeting trend; it’s gaining traction at both high school and collegiate levels. Once a recreational activity, it is transitioning into a fiercely competitive sport that opens doors for young female athletes. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has recognized women’s flag football as an official varsity sport as recently as 2020, partnering with the NFL to expand these athletic opportunities.
Furthermore, the sport is set to debut as an Olympic competition in 2028, hinting at its growing stature on the global stage. With many colleges investing in female flag football programs, opportunities for scholarships that were previously mainly reserved for men’s tackle football are now accessible to women as well, as noted by Asphalt Green.

In this dynamic environment, flag football is appealing to female athletes from various backgrounds, including soccer, basketball, and track and field. The emphasis on speed, agility, and skill combined with a reduced risk of injury compared to traditional tackle football makes it an attractive sport for many.

The stories of athletes like Berehowsky, Hensley, and their Seminole counterparts are not just victories for individual players, but they also represent a larger shift in the landscape of women’s sports. With growing visibility and investment in women’s flag football, the future looks bright—an inspiration for the next generation. As competition heats up, one thing is certain: these athletes are just getting started.