Florida’s Flag Football Legacy: The Rise of Girls’ High School Teams and Family Traditions

Tampa Twins Carry on Family Legacy in Flag Football as Sport Gains Momentum

TAMPA, Fla. — For Alicia and Taylor Jones, stepping onto the football field as freshmen in 2023 was more than just a rite of passage; it was a continuation of a family legacy. The identical twins are the fourth and fifth daughters in their family to embrace the sport, joining a lineage that has thrived in the girls’ flag football dynasty at Robinson High School, a powerhouse with an impressive 10 state championships.

“Our sisters tried so hard, they put in all the work,” said Taylor, reflecting on the dedication that paved the way for their own journey. “So it lets us do the same thing.”

The Jones sisters are part of a growing movement as girls’ flag football rapidly expands across the United States. In just three years, 14 states have officially sanctioned the sport at the high school level, fueled by significant investments from organizations like Nike and the NFL. This surge comes at a time when interest in women’s sports is at an all-time high.

In Florida, however, the passion for girls’ flag football is nothing new. The state has been a trailblazer, having sanctioned the sport since 2003. Today, over 10,000 girls participate across four divisions and more than 450 schools, with Robinson and Alonso High Schools leading the charge.

A Legacy of Excellence

Robinson High School is not just a school; it’s a legacy. Just 30 minutes away, Alonso High School has also carved out its own niche, boasting four state titles and a shared spotlight with Robinson in a Nike commercial four years ago.

Natalie Fischer, a sophomore at Alonso who moved from Malaysia, expressed her surprise at the vibrant community surrounding the sport. “When I got introduced to it, I didn’t realize there was an entire world behind it,” she said. “It really changed my life.”

One of the key figures in this evolving landscape is Deliah Autry-Jones, a former Robinson player who now serves as an assistant coach. After discovering flag football at Robinson in 2009, she went on to join the U.S. Women’s Flag National Team and is eyeing a spot in the 2028 Olympics, where flag football will debut. Her return to Robinson is a testament to the program’s impact on her life.

“I decided what better way to give back than to the program that just absolutely changed everything for me?” Autry-Jones said, watching the current players practice with pride.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the sport gains national attention, coaches like Joshua Saunders of Robinson and Matt Fernandez of Alonso are fielding inquiries from aspiring programs across the country. “If you Google girls flag football coaching, our names pop up,” Saunders noted, highlighting the growing interest in establishing similar programs elsewhere.

Looking ahead, many Florida players harbor dreams of playing flag football at the collegiate level. Currently, 65 NCAA schools sponsor girls’ flag football, primarily at the club level, with hopes of it becoming an official NCAA sport in the future.

“Seeing the freshmen last year was a really big thing for me because half of them wanted to play in college,” said Alonso senior Gabriella Werr. “Flag is going to keep growing very fast, and I think that’s going to be a shock to some people, but not to others.”

As the Jones twins and their teammates continue to build on their family legacy, the future of girls’ flag football in Florida—and beyond—looks brighter than ever.