Flag football for girls has quickly gained popularity here in the valley, but it has also created an opportunity for girls who want to try something new.

“We’re just excited to do something that maybe they thought they couldn’t do before, and now they know they can do it and excel at it,” Palm Desert head coach Dani Oswood said.

This time last year, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert were the only schools offering the sport, and players can’t wait to start their second season.

“I feel like we’ve come a long way as a team overall, and I’m glad everyone else is so interested,” Palm Desert running back Olyvia Lugo-Alvarez said.

For some schools, this is the first year offering the sport, and the athletes couldn’t be more grateful.

“It feels great and I’m excited to see my team grow,” said Anika Coronado, Indio senior quarterback. “When we started, we didn’t know anything. I feel like we’re growing and I like seeing their happy faces and that we’re getting the hang of this game and I can be a part of it.”

By expanding from two to eight teams, players and coaches have found that an additional community has emerged and will only continue to grow.

“I’m excited about the competition,” Palm Desert running back Lugo-Alvarez said. “I think it helps develop and establish the community that flag football has created. I know it’s going to be an Olympic sport in 2028, which is exciting because it shows that a lot of girls are interested in playing it. It’s also evolving that we’re establishing ourselves as a real sport and not just some, well, club because so many people are dedicated and determined to do it.”

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for ongoing coverage of high school sports throughout the season.