As my alarm rang on Monday and Thursday morning at 5:32 a.m. over the course of the past three weeks, I layered on my clothes and set out for the frigid mornings under the bright lights at Robertson field. Joining me were my 14 fellow teammates and three coaches with one goal in mind: win. We had exactly six practice opportunities before the Saint Vincent College Flag Football Jamboree, in which we would play our only two games of the season. Anticipation built as we awaited our debut. This event was the first of its kind, bringing together six high school teams and seven collegiate club teams, including Allegheny. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jamboree was not only a showcase of dedication but also a celebration of the growing momentum of women’s flag football nationwide. This weekend was about more than just a game. It was about making history and paving the way for future generations.
There is no denying that football has a long and rich history rooted in tradition and fierce competition. However, the intense physicality of the sport along with repetitive injury risks can make it unattractive. Additionally, the sheer size and strength differences between male and female athletes have historically made football a male-dominated sport. But when the shoulder pads are traded for flags, the playing field becomes much more even. Flag football offers a safer, more inclusive alternative to traditional football. While major injury prevention is increased in flag, adrenaline remains the same and every team leaves a piece of themselves on the field. Our team played rough and left with many turf burns, scrapes and a few broken nails.
Whether you’ve watched the game from the sidelines or never touched a football, flag football is quickly becoming one of the best ways to stay active, engage in sports, build community and embrace new challenges. Nicole Recio Bremer, ’25, found being part of the event was incredibly rewarding. Bremer expressed how gratifying it was to witness the sport’s growth at Allegheny. It was particularly meaningful for her to be involved in its early stages. She sees the Jamboree as the beginning of something much bigger — both for the college and for women’s flag football in the future. To that I indisputably agree, especially with the (Los Angeles 2028 Olympics) debuting flag football, I think we should all expect a rise in the sport at both a high school and collegiate level.
The athletes were not the only early risers; the volunteer coaching staff — Matt Hanhold, Jake Taggart and Devin Williams, current members of Allegheny’s official football staff — dedicated their time and energy for each practice. Hanhold, Taggart and Williams shared their valuable insights, helping the team progress rapidly in the time constraint.
The early days of the team focused on drills. We split into groups and rotated between coaches allowing them to teach their respective field and aid in our skill development. Once the groundwork was laid, plays started to form and on the last day of practice before the Jamboree we divided into two and scrimmaged. Skill development as well as competition were important aspects of our team; however we were all playing for something bigger. Coaches shared this sentiment, commenting on the hopeful growth of the sport as a whole.
For Hanhold, the event reinforced the need to expand women’s athletic opportunities, particularly in flag football. He believes Allegheny is on the cusp of something special. “The experience shows there is a need to grow our women’s athletic programs on campus, especially flag football,” he said. His vision reflects the larger impact of the Jamboree: it was not just a one-time event, but the first step in establishing a sustainable and thriving program at Allegheny.
As a track athlete I do not often get to share physical activities with athletes in other sports. Flag brought down that barrier and merged athletes from various sports backgrounds including track, basketball, soccer and golf. Ehliyah Wade, ’26, noted this union too. “I love the way this sport brought us all together.” Wade said. Despite the short preparation time, Wade felt that flag football had created something special and credited the role of the coaches in creating a positive environment. “This team is really special, and the dynamic started with the coaches. So grateful for them and their commitment these past couple of weeks” Wade said.
Playing this past weekend was one of the most riveting moments I have had in my entire athletic career, it was undoubtedly one of my most memorable moments at Allegheny. Madison Lemanski, ’26, felt the same. “I found the Jamboree to be really fun, and I know it will be one of my best memories at Allegheny,” she said. The season being so short lived is saddening to all of the players, “After our last game I was honestly really bummed and wanted to play more. I’m so happy I was able to be a part of this team, and I am definitely looking forward to more,” Lemanski said. She is not the only team member looking for more gameplay. Collectively the team decided to continue practicing and is currently in the process of adding a weekly scrimmage.
Flag football stands out for its inclusivity, providing a space for women from all athletic backgrounds, regardless of prior experience, to engage, compete and thrive. Even though most of our team had no previous football experience, we quickly immersed ourselves in the excitement of competition and teamwork. This was about more than just sport — it was about building community, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for everyone.
As flag football continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that this Jamboree was just the beginning. For Allegheny, it marks the start of a growing and dynamic program that will only get stronger in the coming years. Coaches and players alike share a sense of pride in what has been accomplished so far, but they also understand that this is merely the foundation of something bigger. The groundwork we’ve laid will ensure that women’s flag football at Allegheny has a bright future ahead.
