More than 2,000 female athletes thrilled audiences at the Texans Girls Flag Football Championships in Houston, with Heights High School clinching the HISD title.
HOUSTON — Empowerment, excitement and elite athleticism were on full display Saturday as more than 2,000 Houston-area female athletes took the field for the Texans Girls Flag Football Championships at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
Backed by the Houston Texans, the fast-growing girls’ flag football movement saw Heights High School take home the HISD title, one of three championships decided that day.
Star wide receiver and quarterback XX earned MVP honors for her standout performance.
“I could think of a million other people to win MVP, but I’m so proud of the hard work I put in to gain this title,” XX said.
The girls were cheered on by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive end Darrell Taylor and Texans Foundation vice president Hannah McNair
“To be watching that game and seeing the intensity with which the girls play. It’s incredible to see the growth,” McNair said.
“I’m excited. He’s excited. We’re watching the game. It felt like watching us play,” Al-Shaair added.
“Getting a chance to showcase their talents—to win a ring, a trophy, all of that stuff. It’s just like us, so, it’s cool to see,” Taylor said.
Launched in 2023, the Texans Girls Flag Football program has grown to include more than 80 high schools across Houston and Texas.
“To be able to bring this game to these girls in this way and bring it at a high level, it brings so many opportunities for them and for the growth of the game,” McNair said.
“Seeing what the guy football players do, but now you’re doing it instead of just watching them,” Sypher said. “That’s pretty cool.”
The Texans hope their support will help flag football gain even more legitimacy, with aspirations of the sport being UIL-sanctioned in Texas and adopted at the Division I college level.
“We really want to get it UIL-sanctioned here in Texas,” said McNair. “And get it into D1 schools. I know we just recently, it was announced this week that one up north got it in their school, so I hope that’s just the first of many in Texas this year,” McNair said.