A new generation of athletes is driving the growth of flag football in the United States as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Among these emerging talents is 17-year-old quarterback Akemi Higa, who is competing for a spot on the U.S. women’s national team ahead of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) flag football world championships this summer in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Higa’s introduction to the sport came early when, at age five, she expressed interest after learning about a local league from her brother. Since then, she has developed into a strong-armed quarterback known for her long passes and touchdown throws. Currently based between Hawaii and Las Vegas, Higa is set to continue her flag football career at Nevada State University.

This week’s training camp in California highlights the momentum behind American flag football, particularly on the women’s side. The average age of players on the women’s national team is now 26, marking a noticeable decline of nearly two years compared to three seasons ago. This younger demographic reflects the sport’s growing popularity and the increasing level of competition among its participants.

“More people are getting into it and more people are getting better at it,” Higa noted, emphasizing the importance of starting the sport young and embracing continuous learning to excel. As flag football gains traction nationally and internationally, the upcoming world championships and the upcoming Olympic debut are expected to further elevate the sport’s profile and participation rates.

With athletes like Higa pushing the boundaries of flag football, the United States aims to establish a strong presence on the global stage as the sport moves toward wider recognition and inclusion in major international competitions.