Chicago Public League partnered with the Chicago Bears and others to launch a girls high school flag football league three years ago. Last year, the league included more than 100 schools across the state. This February, the IHSA board of directors added flag football to its roster of sanctioned sports.
Lane Tech’s quarterback Alaina Valmassei tries to escape a defender during their first sectional game against Morton High School at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 15, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Coach Caroline Schwartz and her players do their team cheer after they won their game against Whitney Young at Lane Stadium on Sept. 20, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Coach Caroline Schwartz shows new plays to Jocelyn Hale in the locker room before their first sectional game against Morton High School at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 15, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech’s Maggie Yoest braids Gianna Phillips hair as their teammates get ready before the first game of their Oak Park-River Forest Regional in Oak Park on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech’s Faith Galik, left, Sofia Pagones, Gaby Bahena and Vanessa Ramirez celebrate a touchdown during their game against Round Lake at Willowbrook High School on Aug. 29, 2024. Three years ago, Chicago Public League partnered with the Chicago Bears and others to launch a girls high school flag football league. Last year, the league included more than 100 schools across the state. This February, the IHSA board of directors added flag football to its roster of sanctioned sports. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Lane Tech player Florencia Fabian grabs an opponent’s flag during the sectional championship game against Jones College Prep at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 16, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech players listen to Coach Caroline Schwartz after their 32-0 loss to Taft at Resurrection College Prep High School on Sept. 11, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech’s Angel Ativie tries to avoid Resurrection’s defense during their game at Resurrection College Prep High School on Sept. 11, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Lane Tech player Vanessa Ramirez, right, hugs teammate Lila Massey after she scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the sectional championship game against Jones College Prep at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 16, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech’s Makayla Brown (23) and team manager Sophie Montes goof around before their first sectional game against Morton High School at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 15, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech’s Angel Ativie adjusts her flag belt with her gloves in the locker room before their first sectional game against Morton High School at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 15, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Lane Tech players Gianna Phillips, second from right, and Makayla Brown cheer on their defense during their quarterfinal game at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park on Oct. 18, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech family members take photos of the team after they won the Oak Park-River Forest regional championship at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Oct. 10, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Lane Tech’s Lila Massey, 10, celebrates with her teammates as she scores the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the sectional championship game against Jones College Prep at Winnemac Stadium on Oct. 16, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Lane Tech coach Caroline Schwartz consoles Makayla Brown after their loss to Guilford High School in the quarterfinal playoff game at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park on Oct. 18, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
