INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Girls flag football took center stage at Henry E. Lackey High School as Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) teams gathered for a media day ahead of the upcoming season.
The event brought together SMAC girls flag football programs from across the region, giving coaches and players an opportunity to discuss the sport, their experiences and the continued growth of girls flag football in Southern Maryland.
The Baltimore Ravens were also represented at the event, highlighting the growing support the sport has received from professional football organizations.
Shamar Gray, football outreach coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, told The BayNet that the event was an opportunity to build excitement and camaraderie among the athletes.
“It just creates camaraderie around all the season,” Gray said. “These girls are excited to go and play each year, they could chase the championships.”
For Gray and the Ravens, the event also represents a larger vision for the future of flag football.
The sport has continued to expand internationally, and Gray said he hopes to eventually see some of the girls competing at the Olympic level when flag football reaches the 2028 Games.
Local coaches echoed Gray’s belief that the sport is entering a period of significant growth.
Mike Free of Calvert Flag Football said the involvement of the Ravens and Washington Commanders has helped build the sport in the area.
“It’s just a testament to what the Ravens and the Commanders have done to kind of build a sport,” Free said.
Lauren Rivers, coach of Patuxent High School, said the growth of girls flag football in Southern Maryland has been especially noticeable.
“We’ve gone from hardly any teams to everyone has a team now, so it’s exponential,” Rivers said. “It’s just growing super fast.”
The media day also gave players an opportunity to explain what drew them to the sport.
For some, flag football was a new experience. Others had played football recreationally or alongside boys before getting the opportunity to compete for their schools.
Huntingtown High School player Kailyn Kempf said she had always wanted to play tackle football but was never allowed to.
“I always wanted to play tackle, but I was never allowed to,” Kempf said. “Once flag became a thing, it was easier for me to play with all the girls.”
Great Mills High School senior Audrey Gutekunst returned to a sport she remembered playing when she was younger. When she learned flag football was returning to her school, she decided to make the switch from soccer.
“I remembered how much I loved it,” Gutekunst said.
The event was also an important milestone for Leonardtown High School, which is preparing for its first season of girls flag football.
Coach Tylita Butler said her young players have quickly developed chemistry and are embracing the opportunity to establish the program.
“They’re building something nice. They’re building something great,” Butler said.
Butler said the players understand they are creating a foundation for future Leonardtown teams.
“They’re leaving a legacy,” Butler said.
Huntingtown coach Jen Howell said the opportunity is particularly meaningful because girls now have an organized pathway to compete in football.
“The fact that we even have this sport is a really big deal,” Howell said. “It’s something that I wish I had when I was in high school.”
For the coaches and players gathered at Lackey, the media day represented more than the beginning of another season.
It showcased a sport that is rapidly establishing itself in Southern Maryland and provided a platform for the athletes at the center of that growth.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
