A new wave of excitement is sweeping through Mill Creek this year as girls flag football officially launches across the Everett School District — bringing with it a sense of empowerment, community pride, and endless possibility. After years of advocacy and planning, the sport made its official debut this fall, and Jackson High School students showed up in full force to be part of history.

The path to this inaugural season began long before the first kickoff. For two years, district leaders pushed for the WIAA to formally sanction girls flag football. When the amendment finally passed last spring, Everett School District — which only offers WIAA-sanctioned sports — immediately had the green light to move forward. Districts to the south had already begun embracing the sport, but for Mill Creek’s athletes, the timing couldn’t have been better. Flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the nation and is officially set to make its first appearance in the 2028 Olympics.

District Athletic Director Dani Mundell helped champion the effort statewide. In 2023, she joined a group of athletic directors working closely with the Seattle Seahawks to write the amendment language, advocate for it at regional and state levels, and ultimately secure its approval. It took multiple attempts and a great deal of persistence, but the passion behind the sport never wavered.

Once Everett School District got the official go-ahead, the work began immediately. District leadership committed resources for staffing, equipment, and uniforms, ensuring the program launched with the support it needed to succeed. Head coaches were hired, interest meetings were held, and schedules were created to give teams as many opportunities to compete as possible.

Community partnerships played a key role as well. A generous $12,000 grant from the Seattle Seahawks helped fund uniforms for the inaugural season, a tremendous help once it became clear just how popular the sport would be.

When tryouts opened, the enthusiasm was overwhelming: 186 student athletes signed up to play in the very first season of girls flag football. At Jackson High School in Mill Creek, interest was so strong that the school now fields a Varsity team and two JV teams. For many girls, this was their first time joining a high school sports team; for others, it was a welcome opportunity to explore a new athletic path in a competitive but supportive environment.

One of the most inspiring aspects of girls flag football is its accessibility. As a non-cut sport, athletes don’t need years of prior experience to be part of the team. Everyone starts together, learning, improving, and growing side by side. This creates a unique sense of community and confidence, especially for girls who may have never seen themselves as athletes until now.

Coaches and athletes alike describe the atmosphere as “electric.” The energy on the sidelines, the excitement at practices, and the pride shown on game days reflect a sport that is not only new but deeply meaningful. Even as first-year teams, Jackson athletes have held their own against programs that have been established for several seasons. The girls are proud of the foundation they’re helping to build, a legacy future Mill Creek athletes will inherit.

Games this year are played as double headers, with four teams meeting at one location so each can play back-to-back matchups. This structure maximizes playing time and keeps travel efficient. As the sport continues to grow, schedules are expected to evolve, potentially moving toward a C-team/JV/Varsity format like other major sports. While girls flag football is still in its infancy in Snohomish County, the momentum is undeniable. Jackson High School, along with a few neighboring schools, is paving the way. Many nearby districts are already exploring how to launch the sport next season, and the hope is that more Snohomish County schools will join this movement very soon.

For Mill Creek, this is more than a new sport; it’s a milestone. It reflects a commitment to giving girls more opportunities, more visibility, and more confidence on and off the field. It’s about creating inclusive spaces where athletes feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to try something new.

Most of all, it’s about empowerment, and the Jackson girls are embracing that spirit wholeheartedly. With their enthusiasm, talent, and trailblazing mindset, they are helping shape a new era of athletics in Mill Creek. And if this first season is any indication, the future of girls flag football here is bright!