Dallas Independent School District

06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 09:35

Dallas ISD News: Girls' flag football teams in Dallas ISD open new doors for student-athletes


Girls' flag football teams in Dallas ISD open new doors for student-athletes

Editor's note: Spanish story included below


DALLAS -
A historic move for high school athletics, Dallas ISD, in partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, launched its first-ever girls flag football league this spring.

"This program opens doors for girls to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. It also gives them the chance to compete, stay active, and even explore future opportunities in athletics," said Paula Lewis, coach at Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet. "Whether that's playing at the next level or getting involved in coaching, officiating, or sports management, this sport will open doors across the board for girls."

Recent Lincoln grad, Sy'Niyah G., and Jisselle G., who graduated this year from Moises E. Molina High School, are the first Dallas ISD athletes to earn college scholarships for flag football. Both are headed to Texas Wesleyan University.

All 22 Dallas ISD high schools participated in the inaugural season, and the impact of the league on Dallas ISD students is evident. The sport is more than just a new extracurricular activity; it is a platform for empowerment and opportunity.

"The season was both exciting and impactful, and it's clear that interest in the sport is growing rapidly. With scholarship opportunities now being offered, even more girls are inspired to get involved," said Nicole Stovall, assistant athletic coordinator and girls flag football coach at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School. "Flag football is opening new doors for female athletes, and it's exciting to witness the positive impact this program is already making, both on and off the field."

Beyond scholarships, playing flag football gives young female athletes a wide variety of opportunities, Stovall said.

"It allows them to sharpen their athletic skills, compete at a high level, and embrace the discipline, teamwork, and structure that organized sports provide," she said. "The program is helping elevate the visibility of girls in sports."

This first season's success is proof there is a need and interest in flag football, Lewis said.

"It started out as a new adventure where most of the girls didn't know what to expect, and now, they have learned so much and become better players and teammates," she said.

Looking ahead, Lewis and Stovall are excited for next year.

"As the defending champions of the inaugural season, it was incredibly rewarding to watch our team compete at such a high level. The season was both exciting and impactful, and it's clear that interest in the sport is growing rapidly," Stovall said. "It's an exciting time to be part of this program, and I'm looking forward to continuing the momentum we've built."

Lewis' advice to girls who want to start playing flag football is to stay committed.

"It's not as easy as it looks, but if you put in the work, anything is possible," she said. Believe in yourself, and don't be afraid to try something new. You might surprise yourself with what you can do."

Spanish story:

Equipo de fútbol bandera femenino de Dallas ISD abren nuevas puertas para deportistas

DALLAS - En un paso histórico para los deportes de preparatoria, Dallas ISD, junto con los Dallas Cowboys, inauguró la primera liga de fútbol bandera femenina esta primavera.

"El programa abre las puertas para que las jóvenes desarrollen habilidades de líder, confianza en sí mismas y amistades duraderas. También les da la oportunidad de competir, estar físicamente activas e incluso explorar futuras oportunidades deportivas", dijo Paula Lewis, entrenadora en Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet. "Ya sea jugando en el siguiente nivel o trabajando como entrenadoras, árbitras o en gestión deportiva, este deporte abrirá puertas para ellas".

Sy'Niyah G., recién graduada de Lincoln, y Jisselle G., quien se graduó este año de Moisés E. Molina High School, son las primeras en obtener becas universitarias de fútbol bandera. Ambas estudiarán en Texas Wesleyan University.

Todas las 22 preparatorias de Dallas ISD participaron en la temporada inaugural, y el impacto de la liga en las estudiantes es evidente. El deporte es más que una nueva actividad extracurricular: es un escenario de empoderamiento y oportunidades.

"La temporada fue emocionante e impactante, y está claro que el interés en el deporte está creciendo rápidamente. Ahora que se están ofreciendo becas, aún más jóvenes están motivadas para participar", dijo Nicole Stovall, coordinadora deportiva adjunta y entrenadora de fútbol bandera femenino en Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School. "El fútbol bandera está abriendo nuevas puertas para las deportistas mujeres, y es emocionante ver el impacto positivo que este programa ha tenido en el campo y más allá".

Además de becas, jugar fútbol bandera da a estas jóvenes atletas una gran variedad de oportunidades, dijo Stovall.

"Les permite refinar sus habilidades atléticas, competir a un alto nivel y abrazar la disciplina, colaboración y estructura que proporcionan los deportes organizados", dijo. "El programa ayuda a elevar la visibilidad de las mujeres en los deportes".

El éxito de la primera temporada es prueba de que existen tanto una necesidad como un interés en el fútbol bandera, dijo Lewis.

"Empezó como una nueva aventura en que la mayoría de las chicas no sabían qué esperarse, y ahora, han aprendido mucho y se han vuelto mejores jugadoras y compañeras", dijo.

Con miras al futuro, Lewis y Stovall están emocionadas por el próximo año.

"Como campeonas de la primera temporada, fue increíblemente gratificante ver a nuestro equipo competir a tan alto nivel", dijo Stovall. "Es un momento emocionante para ser parte de este programa, y tengo ganas de mantener el impulso que hemos generado".

El consejo de Lewis para las muchachas que desean jugar fútbol bandera es tener empeño.

"No es tan fácil como parece, pero si uno se esfuerza, cualquier cosa es posible", dijo. "Crean en sí mismas y no tengan miedo de probar algo nuevo. Puede que se sorprendan con lo que pueden hacer".

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