A chance encounter with a Chicago Public Schools employee sparked my interest in covering the inaugural girls’ flag football state championship. His mention of the upcoming event resonated deeply due to my own experiences as a student athlete. The competitive spirit and dedication required to achieve athletic success, mirrored my own journey as a collegiate tennis player, fueled my desire to document these young athletes’ stories.
After receiving editorial approval, I focused on the regional championship game between Taft High School and Loyola Academy. The high stakes were evident; Taft’s coach had secured the October game date back in February, the month girls’ flag football received state sanctioning, highlighting his commitment to securing a home regional victory. The intensity reminded me of my own college championship pursuits, where the pressure and nervous energy were palpable before each match.
My reporting extended beyond the game’s outcome. I sought to understand the girls’ connection to the relatively new sport, only established in Chicago three years prior. Interviews revealed inspiring stories. Taft’s junior varsity coach, Cassandra Rothbart, expressed a longing to have played the sport herself, having grown up in a time without female role models in football. Taft’s quarterback, Maylin Nunez, drew inspiration from her brothers’ football games, honing her skills alongside them.
Witnessing Taft’s 7-6 victory under the stadium lights was electrifying. The post-game celebration mirrored my own college experiences, and the visible nervous energy in Nunez’s shaking hands underscored the intensity of the competition.
Positive feedback poured in following the publication of my story. One reader, an official for numerous flag football games, expressed their enthusiasm for the sport’s diversity and athleticism, lamenting the lack of such opportunities during their youth. This sentiment reflects a growing interest across levels of play. College programs are establishing teams and offering scholarships, and the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promises even greater exposure and potential for future female athletes. Perhaps this will inspire a new generation of girls to dream of professional careers in a sport that’s rapidly gaining prominence.
Anna Savchenko is a reporter for WBEZ. You can reach her at asavchenko@wbez.org.