Clark County School District (CCSD) recently launched its 2024-2025 flag football season, showcasing a sport that’s rapidly gaining traction across the country. With 12 states now sanctioning flag football as a high school sport, the game provides an exciting new avenue for girls to engage in competitive athletics.
Leading the Way
CCSD has been at the forefront of promoting flag football, offering it as a district-sponsored sport since 2012. By 2016, the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association officially sanctioned flag football at the high school level, years ahead of neighboring states like California, which only approved it two years ago.
By the Numbers
This year, 34 CCSD high schools boast varsity flag football teams, with most also fielding junior varsity and freshman squads. Over 1,000 girls are actively participating, according to Doug Wilbur, CCSD’s Director of Student Athletics. The sport is also thriving at the middle school level, where 56 schools have boys’ and girls’ teams.
A Coach’s Perspective
Matthew Moyle, a math teacher and l coach at Ed W. Clark High School, has been instrumental in the sport’s growth at CCSD. Having coached since its inception as an intramural activity over a decade ago, Moyle has seen firsthand the profound impact flag football has on students.
“I try to instill in my players the same values my coaches shared with me growing up: humility, responsibility, time management, teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, respect for each other and the game,” Moyle said. “More than anything I want them to go on and become productive young women who will become leaders in their community and help others along the way.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
For players like Madison Mulhall, flag football is more than a sport—it’s a passion. As the captain of Clark High School’s team and its first four-year varsity starter, Mulhall has embraced the opportunities the game offers.
“I love this,” Mulhall said, reflecting on her journey since trying out as a freshman. Inspired by her experience, she hopes to coach a flag football team in the future.
