Flag football sponsored by the Dallas Cowboys
Arlington ISD is making history – and scoring big for student-athletes across the district.
For the first time ever, all six of Arlington ISD’s traditional high schools now have girls flag football teams, marking a major milestone in expanding athletic opportunities for female athletes. The new teams are already creating buzz across campuses, offering students a chance to showcase their skills, build teamwork and break new ground in a sport that’s fast becoming a national favorite.
Backed by the Dallas Cowboys, who helped fund the initiative and supported national interest from organizations like the NFL and UIL, girls flag football is evolving into more than just an after-school activity. It’s a legitimate, competitive sport – and Arlington ISD is all in.
“This is more than just adding a sport,” said Lamar High School girls’ basketball and flag football head coach Errin Levels. “It’s about giving our girls a new opportunity to compete, lead and thrive in a sport that’s quickly becoming a favorite on and off the field.”
That sentiment is echoed by all flag football coaches across the district, including Sam Houston High School’s head strength and conditioning coach and head girls flag football coach Andre Miller. 
“This new team is unique because it’s something different for our female athletes,” Miller said. “Many of our female athletes have wanted to play football in some capacity, so this sport gives them that opportunity.”
And while the excitement is high, the learning curve is real. For many of the athletes – and even some of the coaches – this season marks their first experience with the sport.
“The process of coaching has been fun and challenging at times,” Miller added. “For most of our girls this is their first time playing the sport, so the rules and the game itself takes some adjusting to. From week one until now there has been major improvements from our players in terms of understanding the game to understanding concepts that we are trying to teach them.”
At Lamar, Levels has faced a similar journey – learning the game herself through YouTube videos, Instagram Reels and the help of fellow coaches like assistant coach Terrance Lofton. But just like at Sam Houston, the effort is paying off.
“I have wrestlers, soccer players, Viqueens and basketball players all on the same team,” Levels said. “There were maybe two or three kids who had played before, but the growth over the last month has been exceptional.”
That growth is evident on the field and in the voices of the players themselves. At Sam Houston, senior Jasmin Pena has found her place on the team.
“This is my first time playing flag football and I was lucky enough to be positioned as a rusher,” she said. “I feel that my school offering this sport has been a real eye opener. I’m glad I was able to experience this sport and I can’t wait to see what next year has to offer.”
Over at Lamar, junior Amiyah Tice, who previously played on an all-boys flag football team, is proud to be part of this new chapter for girls in sports.
“I’m beyond happy that girls flag football is now an official school sport because the boys I played against always pulled the ‘she’s a girl’ card every time I pulled a flag!” Tice said. “We came from several different sports and bonded like we’ve been around each other for ages. Our plan is to win and especially have fun. We work well together and I wouldn’t trade my team for anyone else.”
The spirit of the first season is one of energy, grit and sisterhood. The teams are now preparing for the playoffs, a testament to how quickly the athletes are rising to the challenge.
“Flag football has been fun to coach and I’m thankful for the opportunity for more students to be involved in Lamar athletics,” said Levels. “The school and community should be very proud of all the young ladies representing Lamar Flag Football!”