Isabel Ibarra, a senior at North Side High School, became the first signee for Texas Wesleyan University’s new women’s varsity flag football program.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth ISD student made history this week and became the first ever women’s varsity flag football signee in Texas, according to Texas Wesleyan University officials.
Isabel Ibarra, a senior at North Side High School and the Fort Worth ISD 2024-25 Flag Football Most Valuable Player, signed her letter of intent for Texas Wesleyan University’s new women’s varsity flag football program.
Texas Wesleyan is the first university in Texas to launch a varsity women’s flag football team that will begin competing in spring 2026, university officials said in a press release.
“It’s such a special experience to be part of the first varsity flag football team at Texas Wesleyan and in the state of Texas,” Ibarra said during the signing ceremony at North Side High. “I am looking forward to being a Ram and am excited to be part of the team!”
Texas Wesleyan head flag football coach Keenah Lambert attended the signing.
“We’re just so glad to have Isabel on our inaugural team,” Lambert said. “She was our first commit and first signee, and it makes it extra special that she’s from our community.”
Ibarra was a multi-sport athlete at North Side High School, competing in flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and cross country.
“We’re incredibly excited for Isabel and especially proud she’ll be staying local,” North Side head flag football coach Irwin Garcia said. “Texas Wesleyan is getting a great one.”
School officials said Ibarra plans to major in biology at Texas Wesleyan and pursue a career in healthcare.