HONOLULU (KHON2) — With the first season of girls’ flag football in the books, many are already looking forward to bigger things, including the 2028 summer games in Los Angeles, where the sport will make its Olympic debut.
Kamehameha Schools sophomore Hayden Kaahanui-Cera has been playing flag football since she was four years old.
“Flag football to me is basically my second home,” Kaahanui-Cera said.
She was the quarterback on Kamehameha’s winning flag football team in its inaugural year and was named last year’s Under Armor Future 50.
And in the not-too-distant future, the 2028 Olympics may be in sight.
“It was something that I would wish would happen because I’ve been playing flag football for like 11 years. So being able to be put in the Olympics as a recognizable sport is a blessing to me.”
Kamehameha Schools’ flag football coach and associate athletics director Wendell Say said the Olympics announcement will only increase interest in the sport that saw a huge success this year.
“The opportunity for these girls, it’s about time. It’s a great opportunity for our young women. Watching all the schools, I was amazed at the talent that they have. A lot of the girls are natural athletes and football will give them the opportunity.”
There were 57 flag football teams in public high schools across the state this year, compared to more than 70 teams for girls volleyball, the biggest sport for girls.
But there will also be men’s flag football at the 2028 Olympics and the NFL has given pro football players the greenlight to compete for spots on the U.S. Olympic team.
“But still I think professional players playing in flag football, there’s that chance of injury risk. NFL you get those big linemen, linebacker. Now flag football is going to be more skilled based. You’ll have the faster players.”
And that’s what Hayden hopes will take her to the next level and possibly the Olympics with the support of her loving family.
“I feel like I’ve gained a lot of confidence through the game and I gained a lot just striving to be better and just having that dedication and determination to be that player.”