The 2024-2025 school year brings the exciting new addition of a girls flag football team. As Riordan enters its fifth year as a co-educational institution, the athletic department is committed to providing new and diverse athletic opportunities for all students.

The decision to introduce girls flag football to Riordan was driven by a few factors. With flag football becoming an up-and-coming sport that is gaining a lot of popularity nationwide and other local schools such as Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, Galileo, Lowell, and George Washington High School already offering it, there was a clear demand for the sport.

Jay’Sen Morris ’07, athletic director, emphasized the importance of accommodating this interest while working within the constraints of available facilities. He stated, “Having flag football as a sport now gives girls who don’t make the volleyball, tennis, and golf teams or aren’t interested in cross country another option in the fall.”

He added, “Many of our girl programs have seen a lot of success quickly, which helps overall school spirit and pride!”

Amelia Corin, a girls flag football player from Galileo High School, shared her positive experience with the sport, stating, “I joined the flag football team because I’ve always been interested in football and liked how football involves teamwork and strategy. I had an opportunity to experience playing a new sport that I never played before and it was surely an amazing experience.”

She added, “Flag football made it easier for me to have connections with people at school who are also my teammates and brought an overall positive impact on my daily school life.”

Ashanti Dias ’24, a female player on an all-boys football team, said, “I know a lot of girls who want to play flag football, and I think it will finally show everybody what we’re just really made of. Girls can do the same thing as guys, you know, probably even better.”

The new flag football team reflects Riordan’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students, especially after the addition of girls to the school. 

More than 40 girls attended the interest meeting held on February 15, where Coach Morris announced that only 22 girls will make the team. There will be workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 with official games starting in August 2024.