US women's flag football team receives youthful infusion ahead of world championships

The U.S. women's flag football team is undergoing a youthful transformation ahead of the IFAF world championships in Duesseldorf, Germany, this summer. Seventeen-year-old Akemi Higa, a quarterback from Hawaii/Las Vegas, is among the young players competing for roster spots at a training camp in California. Higa, who began playing at age 5 and threw for 22,476 yards and 371 touchdowns in high school, is one of three quarterbacks vying for a position. The average age of the women’s team at this camp is 26, nearly two years younger than it was three seasons ago, with several players under 21. The men’s team also features younger talent, including 21-year-olds Jorge Cascudo Jr. and Justin McMullen. This week’s camp will narrow the roster from 18 to 12 players, with the team also facing Canada in Los Angeles as part of USA Football’s Rivalry Series. Higa’s rise reflects the sport’s growing popularity, particularly in states like Nevada, where her family relocated in 2022 to pursue flag football opportunities. She and her twin sister, Akiko, have become standout players since moving to Las Vegas. The team’s youthful energy aligns with the sport’s upcoming Olympic debut in 2028, with players like 20-year-old Maci Joncich training with the Games in mind. The shift in age reflects broader growth in the sport, with over 68,800 girls playing high school flag football in 2024—a 60% increase from the previous year. The women’s team is also nearing NCAA championship status, further solidifying its place in competitive athletics. The final roster will be determined after this camp, setting the stage for international competition.