Tenley Hill, a freshman at UCLA, has launched a women’s flag football club on campus, igniting a growing movement to elevate the sport within collegiate athletics. Hill, who played girls flag football in high school after leaving cheerleading, established the team shortly after arriving at UCLA, where no women’s flag football program previously existed.

Motivated by a desire to actively participate in the game rather than just supporting it from the sidelines, Hill quickly organized the club, securing sponsorships, assembling a roster, and arranging a schedule. Despite expectations that forming a club team could take up to a year, she pushed to have the team operational within a single academic quarter.

The UCLA women’s flag football team concluded its inaugural season with an 11-5 record, including a nine-game winning streak. The program’s rapid success is reflected not only in its competitive performance but also in its growing presence on social media, where a dedicated Instagram page accumulated nearly 8,000 followers within months. Interest from prospective players at the high school level has surged correspondingly.

Supported by equipment sponsors such as Oakley, GameBreaker, Franklin, and Seismic, and bolstered by a $10,000 donation from the Chargers Social Club earmarked for travel expenses, the team has established a firm foundation. UCLA’s football coach Bob Chesney also extended invitations for the women’s flag football players to attend spring practices, signaling institutional support.

Looking ahead, UCLA’s team plans to join the NIRSA Club Flag Football League in the upcoming season. This league features over 40 teams nationwide competing in 7-on-7 flag football and operates in collaboration with the NFL. The league’s season runs from January through early May, culminating in a national championship.

Practices and home games have taken place at UCLA intramural fields, accommodating a growing fan base. One matchup against rival USC, held at the Chargers’ El Segundo practice facility, attracted a crowd estimated at over 1,000 spectators.

Hill’s personal journey reflects a broader ambition to foster opportunities for women in the sport she loves. Having left UCLA’s cheerleading squad to focus on flag football, she emphasizes the thrill of gameplay, particularly defensive accomplishments such as interception returns for touchdowns. Her coach, Michaeltore Smith, praised her football instincts and leadership, noting Hill’s selection for the 23-under team in the upcoming Select Bowl tournament at Galaxy Park in Carson.

With women’s flag football recently added as a medal sport for the 2028 Olympic Games and expanding participation nationwide, Hill hopes her pioneering efforts at UCLA will pave the way for future generations. “It’s exciting to be laying the groundwork for girls who are like me,” she said, underscoring the sport’s rising profile and potential for growth at the collegiate and international levels.