With an undefeated high school dynasty, thanks to a national coach and a high school national championship, Alonso High School is one example of Tampa’s talent.
TAMPA, Fla. — Inside the AdventHealth Training Center — the same facility where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for NFL Sundays — high school girls are playing a brand of flag football that has coaches, parents and league officials convinced they are watching the future of American sport take shape in real time.
Girls’ flag football is booming.
Participation among girls ages 6 to 17 surged 57% nationwide over the last decade, according to USA Football research. Among girls ages 6 to 12 specifically, that number jumps to 283% between 2015 and 2024. That growth is highly visible in the Tampa Bay area.
“Tampa, Hillsborough County is as strong a region as anywhere,” said Matthew Hernandez, head coach of Alonso High School’s girls flag football team. “The talent we have here. The talent we have across Florida — a little bit of a homer, I guess — but we’re pretty confident that Florida has some of the best athletes in the country and they’re as good as any to set their goals on the Olympics in 2028.”
That is not a distant aspiration. Flag football is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and Hernandez is positioned at the center of that moment.
In addition to leading the Alonso program, which won nationals last year, he serves as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Women’s Flag Football team. Hernandez says it’s expected to be a primary pipeline to the eventual U.S. Olympic roster.
His high school team is, at present, among the best in the country. Alonso enters the postseason with a 14-0 record, coming off a national championship a year ago.
Among those national champions is Jaida Almanzar, a senior wide receiver, safety and special teams standout who will attend the University of South Florida in the fall. Almanzar plans to continue playing on the club team there.
Her father, Peter Almanzar Sr., struggled to find words on Tuesday, watching his daughter’s trajectory.
“I’m really proud of what she’s accomplished. What they’ve accomplished. Sorry, I’m a little emotional, but it feels good to see your child pursue a dream and accomplish it,” he said. “My daughter is in IB. She has a 6.65 GPA. She’s got it up here, and she’s got it here.”
He added, “Man, that was my little girl involved in this. She has her handprint all over this, and it feels great.”
The sport’s momentum extends well beyond the high school level. At least 11 Division I schools have announced plans to sponsor varsity women’s flag football programs by 2028, including Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State.
The University of Nebraska recently became the first Power Conference school to announce a varsity team, set to compete in two years.
The NFL is also throwing its full weight behind the sport.
All 32 teams will invest $1 million each to support a new professional flag football league ahead of the Olympics, designed to elevate competition for both men and women. The Buccaneers have been among the league’s most active advocates for years.
“Just to watch these girls play, they’re so talented and it’s so exciting, such high energy,” said Kourtney, a team representative at Tuesday night’s game at the Buccaneers’ training facility. “I’m not surprised at all that it was a hot ticket for the L.A. Olympics.”
The Buccaneers hosted Steinbrenner High School and Strawberry Crest High School for the third annual “Battlegrounds” game on April 14. It has been recognized as one of the highest attendance games in the country for girls’ flag football. Allowing high school players to compete at the AdventHealth Training Center, where Buccaneers like quarterback Baker Mayfield and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Peter Almanzar Sr. put it simply: “This sport is building leaders in our communities.”
The same facility next to Raymond James Stadium will host the Florida State Championships on May 15-16. Admission is free.