Welcome to the February 9 edition of the women's college flag football newsletter here at Collegiate Flag Football. We will look at the various stories and happenings across the sport over the last week, between Monday, February 2, and Sunday, February 8, 2026. Have a suggestion or want to include something in the weekly newsletter? Drop us an email!

3 Additions This Week

The University of Mount Union (OH) will add a varsity women's flag football team beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. Mount Union is the third team in the NCAA Division III Ohio Athletic Conference to add a flag football program.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville will add a women's flag football club team for the 2026-27 academic year. UNC Asheville plans to elevate the team to varsity status in the future.

The University of South Carolina Upstate will add a varsity women's flag football team beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. UNC Asheville and USC Upstate are two of the four schools in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference to offer a flag football team.

2026 NAIA Preseason Coaches Poll

The NAIA released its first-ever official coaches poll. The NAIA's poll is made up of head coaches from four conferences, with each person submitting their top 15 selections. Each team receives points on a scale from 15 points for first place to 1 point for 15th place. The highest and lowest rankings for each team are removed and the remaining votes are tallied up for the top 10.

The inaugural poll has Ottawa (KS) as the #1 team with 98 points and 7 of the 8 first-place votes. Keiser (FL) is second with 91 points and the other first-place vote. Warner (FL), Baker (KS), and St. Thomas (FL) round out the top 5. The entire poll, including teams receiving votes, is listed below.

2026 Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll

Conference Carolinas released its 2026 preseason coaches poll last week. Lees-McRae (NC) was atop the poll with 79 points and 5 first-place votes, but two other teams were right behind them. Barton (NC) was second with 73 points and 1 first-place vote, while Wingate (NC) was third with 70 points and 3 first-place votes. King (TN) was fourth with 66 points and 1 first-place vote, followed by Ferrum (VA) in fifth with 58 points.

The last remaining first-place vote went to Emmanuel (GA), which had 55 points. Mount Olive (NC) had 50 points in seventh and slid just ahead of Mars Hill (NC) in eighth with 49 points. Chowan (NC) was ranked ninth with 41 points, followed by Mount St. Mary's (MD) in 10th with 35 points, and Erskine (SC) in 11th with 29 points. The 2026 spring season will be Conference Carolinas' first sponsoring flag football. Commissioner Chris Colvin also spoke about the poll and the sport at the conference's media day.

2026 Spring Scheduling News

Cal Poly (CA) will host its first spring tournament on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, 2026. The tournament is open to any school that wishes to participate, and it will be held on campus in San Luis Obispo, California. Any collegiate flag football program interested in competing at Cal Poly's tournament should contact Ryan Weisenberg (rweisenb@calpoly[dot]edu).

The National Collegiate Flag Football League's (NCFFL) spring 2026 campaign will feature a 10-game season, followed by playoffs and a championship. Dates for the spring tournaments and championships are as follows:

The first spring tournament will take place on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, at Howard Community College (MD) in Columbia, Maryland. The second spring tournament will take place two weeks later, on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, at Lancaster Bible College (PA) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Finally, the NCFFL National Championships will be held on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, at the Capelli Sports Complex in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

The NCFFL is looking for schools that would like to host a flag football tournament during the 2026-27 academic year. The NCFFL plans to have at least 8 events next season. For fall 2026, the aim is to have 2 East Coast and 1 West Coast tournaments. For spring 2027, the NCFFL is hoping to have 4 regionals in the Central and Eastern US, 2 in the Midwest and West Coast, and the National Championship. Those interested should email admin@nc-ffl[dot]com for additional information.

The Women's Collegiate Flag Football League (WCFFL) is looking for additional teams to compete during the 2026 spring season. The WCFFL will have tournaments in the spring. Those interested should contact Venisha Lee (wcflagfootball1@gmail[dot]com).

NEW THIS WEEK: Florida A&M and Florida State are hosting the Capital City Bowl on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29. Schools interested in competing can register here.

NEW THIS WEEK: UCLA and USC will meet on Sunday, February 15, in El Segundo, California.

NEW THIS WEEK: Cal Lutheran (CA) announced its 2026 spring schedule. The Regals will start the season on Wednesday, February 11, with a home game and end the season on Friday, April 24, with a doubleheader. The full schedule is below.

NEW THIS WEEK: Keystone College (PA) announced its 2026 spring schedule. The Giants will play all of their regular season games in March and April, starting on Wednesday, March 4, and ending on Saturday, April 18. The full schedule is below.

NEW THIS WEEK: Long Beach State (CA) revealed its 2026 spring schedule. LBSU will start the season on Saturday, February 21, with a game against Cal Lutheran and is slated to end the regular season on Saturday, April 11, versus Cal Poly. The full schedule is below.

NEW THIS WEEK: Marymount University (VA) announced its 2026 spring schedule. The Saints will start the season with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 7, and will complete the season in the ECAC Tournament in early May. The full schedule is below.

NEW THIS WEEK: Post University (CT) set its 2026 spring schedule. The Eagles will start the season on the last day of February with a doubleheader and end the season on Saturday, April 25, with another doubleheader. The full schedule is below.

NEW THIS WEEK: Prairie View A&M University (TX) unveiled its 2026 spring schedule. The Panthers will start at Cottey (MO) on Sunday, February 22, and end the regular season at home against Schreiner (TX) on Sunday, April 19. The full slate is below.

NEW THIS WEEK: SUNY Geneseo (NY) announced its inaugural schedule for spring 2026. The Knights will start on Wednesday, March 4, against D'Youville (NY) at home and end the regular season on Saturday, April 18, at Elmira (NY). The full slate is below.

Coaching News

Coaching Opportunities

NEW THIS WEEK: Andrew College (GA) announced Nick Trist as the next head coach for the flag football program. Trist previously served as the offensive coordinator for Savannah State's football team.

Baldwin Wallace University (OH) posted a job description for the head coaching vacancy. Baldwin Wallace will begin competing in the 2026-27 academic year.

Barry University (FL) posted a job description for the women's flag football team. Barry currently offers a club team, but will elevate the program to varsity status in the 2026-27 academic year.

NEW THIS WEEK: Bucks County Community College (PA) posted a job description for the women's flag football club team. Bucks County will compete in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

NEW THIS WEEK: Campbellsville University (KY) named Pat Oden as an assistant coach.

NEW THIS WEEK: The College of Saint Benedict (MN) named Joe Bartos as the program's first head coach. Bartos played college football at the University of Minnesota Morris and has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings as a senior youth development coach. CSB will begin competing as a club team during the 2025-26 academic year.

The College of Staten Island (NY) posted a job description for the women's flag football coaching vacancy. The team was previously led by Frank Jennaco, who went 7-0-1 in the spring 2025 season en route to winning the inaugural NCFFL Championship.

Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ) posted the job description for the women's flag football head coaching position. FDU will begin competing in the 2026-27 academic year.

The Guimond Vukovic Group (GVG) is offering postgraduate opportunities for athletes who are seeking a one-year master's degree in the United Kingdom. Scholarship opportunities are available for students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Athletes who wish to continue playing collegiate flag football, develop programs, build the sport internationally, or pursue coaching opportunities are encouraged to apply. GVG offers a free service to connect student-athletes with partner institutions in the U.K. The FAQ section on GVG's website provides additional information. This postgraduate opportunity is in the United Kingdom.

Hardin-Simmons University (TX) posted the job description for the women's flag football head coaching role. HSU will begin playing in the 2026-27 academic year.

Howard Payne University (TX) posted the job description for the women's flag football coaching vacancy. HPU will begin competing during the 2026-27 academic year.

NEW THIS WEEK: Huntingdon College (AL) added Braden Green as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2026 season.

Jackson State Community College (TN) posted the job description for the women's flag football head coaching vacancy. JSCC will begin competing in the 2026-27 academic year.

Jacksonville University (FL) posted the job description for the women's flag football club team vacancy. Jacksonville will play its first season in spring 2026.

NEW THIS WEEK: Lees-McRae College (NC) added Tony Kruse as an assistant coach for the 2026 season.

NEW THIS WEEK: Marian University (WI) named Chelsea Alt as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. Alt played 12 seasons of professional women's football and has coaching experience at the high school and college levels in Wisconsin.

NEW THIS WEEK: Mount Saint Mary College (NY) named Isaiah Weathers as an assistant coach.

NEW THIS WEEK: Nevada State University announced its coaching staff for the 2026 season. Brandon Pappillion will be the team's head coach and defensive coordinator. Todd Thomson will serve as an assistant head coach, offensive play design, and special teams coordinator. Rudy Fernandez will serve as the offensive coordinator. Malissa Miles will serve as the assistant wide receivers and defensive backs coach. Arkemus Baskerville will serve as the linebackers and wide receivers coach. Fernandez, Miles, and Baskerville will also be recruiting coordinators.

Newberry College (SC) posted the job description for a women's flag football head coaching opening. Newberry will begin competing in spring 2026.

NEW THIS WEEK: Our Lady of the Lake University (TX) posted a job description for a flag football head coaching position.

NEW THIS WEEK: Purdue University Northwest (IN) named Akyia Baker as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2026 spring season.

NEW THIS WEEK: Reinhardt University (GA) named Keon McGhee as the interim head coach. McGhee is taking over for Willie McCloud.

Saint Xavier University (IL) posted a job description for a flag football head coaching vacancy. SXU has not officially announced the addition of flag football.

Triton College (IL) is seeking an assistant coach for the 2026 spring season. Those interested should reach out to head coach Scott Smith at samuelesmith3@triton[dot]com.

NEW THIS WEEK: UCLA (CA) announced its coaching staff. Michaeltore Smith and Jason Guyser will both serve as co-head coaches. Smith coached at Camarillo High School and also serves as an assistant for the flag football team at Ventura College (CA). Gusyer is the head coach at Newport Harbor High School.

NEW THIS WEEK: The University of California, Berkeley announced its coaching staff for the 2026 spring season. The head coach will be Nancy Nguyen, who previously competed on the US National Team. Israel Carrero will serve as an assistant coach, Logan Price will serve as an assistant quarterback coach, and Lawrence Raman will serve as the general manager.

The University of North Alabama posted the job description for the women's flag football head coach opening. The Lions will begin competing in the 2026-27 academic year.

The University of South Carolina Upstate posted the job description for a women's flag football head coaching opportunity. USC Upstate will launch a varsity team in the 2026-27 academic year.

NEW THIS WEEK: Virginia Union University posted a job description for a women's flag football head coach vacancy. VUU offers a club team and plans to elevate it to varsity status next year.

Future Camps and Clinics

Newsletter email note: An interactive calendar with all the dates and hosts has been placed at the top of this section on the website. Due to the limitations of HTML within emails, I am unable to send the calendar as part of the weekly rundown in the email. A direct link is provided here. The camps and clinics are listed in chronological order, from the earliest to the latest date. The listed times are specific to that school's time zone.

Villa Maria College (NY) will have a women's flag football camp & showcase on Saturday, February 14, 2026, which will feature US Women's National Team member Izzy Geraci. The camp will take place from 12 PM to 2:30 PM at Villa Maria's athletic center in Buffalo, New York.

Alabama State University is hosting a women's flag football camp on Sunday, February 15, from 12 to 3 PM. The camp is free and open to 11th and 12th-grade players. The camp will be held on campus at New Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will host a youth Talent ID Camp on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, February 6, 2026.

Arizona Christian University will host a flag football talent ID camp from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 21. The camp will be open to 11th and 12th graders and will be held at ACU's main football field in Glendale, Arizona.

East Texas Baptist University will host a flag football prospect camp from 1 PM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, February 21. The camp is open to any high school players, plus transfer students, and will be held at ETBU's football field in Marshall, Texas.

SCAD Savannah (GA) is hosting a women's flag football prospect camp on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. The camp will take place after the SCAD Day events from 9 AM to 2 PM. The camp will be held at the SCAD Athletics Complex, located just across the Georgia-South Carolina border in Hardeeville, South Carolina.

The Seattle Seahawks will host a youth Talent ID Camp on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Renton, Washington. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026.

Prime Access Athletics (MS) will host a college exposure camp on Sunday, February 22, instead of Saturday, January 31. The camp will be held at the Madison Healthplex in Madison, Mississippi.

The New York Jets will host a youth Talent ID Camp on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Florham Park, New Jersey. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026.

Union College (NY) will host a flag football prospect camp on Saturday, March 7, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The camp will be held on campus at Brooks Field at Achilles Center in Schenectady, New York. The registration deadline is Sunday, March 1, and those interested should reach out to head coach Frank Rogers for additional information (rogersf@union[dot]edu).

The Philadelphia Eagles will host a youth Talent ID Camp on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026.

The Arizona Cardinals will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the West Valley Sports Complex in Glendale, Arizona. The registration deadline is Monday, February 9, 2026.

The Miami Dolphins will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The registration deadline is Monday, February 9, 2026.

The Dallas Cowboys will host a youth Talent ID Camp on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026.

Blackburn College (IL) will host a high school flag football clinic on Saturday, March 21, from 2 to 5 PM. The clinic will be held at the Blackburn Athletic Center in Carlinville, Illinois. The registration link is here.

Howard Community College (MD) will host a spring flag football league in the Spring of 2026. Games will be played each Sunday, starting March 22, 2026, and the league will conclude on June 14, 2026.

Niagara Youth Flag Football (Canada) will host an All-Girls University Camp on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp will take place at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland, Ontario, Canada. Canadian Universities Brock, Sheridan, and Western will be joined by Villa Maria College from the Buffalo, New York area.

The San Francisco 49ers will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Morgan Hill, California. The registration deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.

The Chicago Bears will host a youth Talent ID Camp on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Bridgeview, Illinois. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026.

Howard Community College (MD) will host a flag football scouting combine the weekend of Saturday, March 28, 2026, and Sunday, March 29, 2026. The camp will take place in Columbia, Maryland, and is open to high school girls in grades 9 through 12. The camp coincides with the NCFFL's Maryland Championship Series.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Clay County Parks in Middleburg, Florida. The registration deadline is Monday, March 9, 2026.

Meredith College (NC) will host a flag football prospect camp on Saturday, April 4, for 9th through 12th graders. The camp will run from 10 AM to 12 PM and be held on campus at the flag football field in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Lancaster Bible College (PA) will host a flag football scouting combine on Friday, April 10, 2026, and Saturday, April 11, 2026. The camp will take place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is open to high school girls in grades 9 through 12. The camp coincides with the NCFFL's Pennsylvania Championship Series.

The Baltimore Ravens will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Western Regional Park in Cooksville, Maryland. The registration deadline is Monday, March 9, 2026.

The Kansas City Chiefs will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Paragon Star in Kansas City, Missouri. The registration deadline is Monday, March 9, 2026.

The Carolina Panthers will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Manchester Meadows in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The registration deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026.

The Detroit Lions will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Tom Adams Field at Wayne State in Detroit, Michigan. The registration deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will host an NFL FLAG Spring Super Regional on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Montour Sports Center in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. The registration deadline is Monday, March 23, 2026.

The Atlanta Falcons will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Franklin Gateway in Marietta, Georgia. The registration deadline is Monday, March 30, 2026.

The Los Angeles Rams will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California. The registration deadline is Monday, March 30, 2026.

The NCFFL will host a national flag football scouting combine on the weekend of Saturday, May 2, 2026, and Sunday, May 3, 2026. The camp will take place in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and is open to high school girls in grades 9 through 12. The camp coincides with the NCFFL's Nationals tournament the same weekend.

The Denver Broncos will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Aurora Sports Park in Aurora, Colorado. The registration deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026.

The Los Angeles Rams will host an adult Talent ID Camp on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Long Beach, California. The camp will run from 9 AM to 5 PM. The registration deadline is Friday, May 1, 2026.

The Minnesota Vikings will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at The Ponds Athletic Complex in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The registration deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026.

The Philadelphia Eagles will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at United Sports in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The registration deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026.

The Green Bay Packers will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center & Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. The registration deadline is Monday, April 27, 2026.

The New York Giants will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at West Orange High School in West Orange, New Jersey. The registration deadline is Monday, April 27, 2026.

She Plays (AZ) is hosting a girls flag football college showcase and combine on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The showcase will be held from 9 AM to 12 PM in Chandler, Arizona. Arizona Christian University, Benedictine University at Mesa (AZ), Chowan University (NC), Grossmont College (CA), Lourdes University (OH), Mars Hill University (NC), Meredith College (NC), North Park University (IL), SCAD Savannah (GA), University of Arizona, University of Northwestern Ohio, and University of Redlands (CA) are expected to be in attendance.

NEW THIS WEEK: Calhoun Community College (AL) is hosting a pair of flag football camps at the start of June. On Monday, June 1, a camp will be held from 9 AM to 12 PM for 3rd through 8th graders. On Tuesday, June 2, a camp will be held from 9 AM to 3 PM for 9th through 12th graders.

The Cleveland Browns will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Euclid High School in Euclid, Ohio. The registration deadline is Monday, May 4, 2026.

The Seattle Seahawks will host an NFL FLAG Spring Regional on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Kasch Park in Everett, Washington. The registration deadline is Monday, May 4, 2026.

Millersville University (PA) will host its 2nd annual girls flag football camp from Wednesday, June 24, through Sunday, June 28, 2026. The camp will feature two-a-day practices, film review, evaluations, guest speakers, and strength and conditioning.

The International Flag League (formerly USA Flag) will host its 2027 National Championships in Tampa, Florida, on MLK weekend in January 2027. The dates are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2027, through Sunday, January 17, 2027.

The International Flag League (formerly USA Flag) will host its 2027 World Championships in Los Angeles, California, from Thursday, July 8, 2027, through Sunday, July 11, 2027. A collegiate division will be competing for the first time at the 2027 championships.

Harford Community College Chats with Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun had a Q&A session with three athletes on Harford Community College's flag football roster. Clara Pauni, Nehir Safkan, and Samantha Guzman spoke about their decisions to play flag football, speaking with head coach Andre Smalls, and the growth of the sport. HCC athletic director Ed Liesch spoke about the opportunities for athletes in the growing sport.

New York Jets Announce New Grant

The New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to the Women's Sports Foundation last week. The announcement coincided with National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Wednesday, February 4. The funds will go to support women seeking a career as a coach or scout in football. One of the recipients is Eastern University (PA) head coach Amanda Ruller, who also coaches the tight ends and running backs for the men's football team. The New York Jets also announced a $1 million commitment to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) in December, which will kick off its first season this spring.

NFL Flag Showcase at the Pro Bowl

The NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase took place ahead of the NFL's AFC vs NFC Pro Bowl, but it did not disappoint. The AFC girls scored on their opening drive and held on for a 7-6 win, with Ariana Akey leading the drive down the field. Akey's rush into the end zone on the point after would be the difference, as the NFC would score late in the first half. However, the NFC couldn't convert the point after and subsequent drives didn't threaten to score. Akey was named the AFC's MVP, while wide receiver Samaya Taylor-Jenkins was named the NFC's MVP for the game.

North Alabama Signs First Class

The University of North Alabama has signed 10 women in its first class. The Lions have stayed local for talent, with 7 of the 10 signees from Alabama and the other three from neighboring Georgia. UNA will play its first season in the 2026-27 academic year at the NCAA Division I level.

Post Hosts Media Day

Post University (CT) hosted a media day event and spoke to a handful of athletes in advance of the 2026 spring season. The women discussed their decision to join the program and some of their experiences playing the game. Head coaches Dominic Colavito and Joseph Newman also chimed in about the sport's growth and some goals for the upcoming season to help the team grow together. You can watch the entire event here.

Sonoma State Could Add Flag Football if Athletics Return

Sonoma State University (CA) no longer has an athletics program, but that could change, and flag football may be in the school's future. The school hired a consulting firm to review the feasibility of bringing athletics back, with flag football cited as a possibility as soon as the 2028-29 academic year. The report outlined a 5-year plan with the two seasons of competition at the club level in 2028-29 and 2029-30, followed by a varsity team in 2030-31 and beyond. The first step for flag football to become a reality is to bring back its athletics program, which Sonoma State's president Michael Spagna hopes to accomplish by the start of the 2027-28 academic year.

University of Texas Not Considering Flag Football

The University of Texas is not considering the addition of flag football as a varsity sport, according to athletic director Chris Del Conte. He cited the cost as the main factor, noting that no SEC schools offer varsity flag football. Even Nebraska's addition of a varsity team didn't sway Del Conte, as he found the Cornhuskers' decision to be "premature."

US Men Defeat Mexico

The US Men's Flag Football National Team defeated Mexico 35-34 last week in an exhibition game. Mexico scored with seconds left in the first half to lead 20-16 at the break. Mexico had a chance to extend the lead, but an interception by Jamie Kennedy was turned into a touchdown by the US. The teams traded scores to make it 28-26 in favor of the US, when Isaiah Calhoun had a pick six to make it 35-26. That put the game out of reach even with a late Mexico TD.

US Women's National Team members Amber Clark-Robinson and Laneah Bryan both made sideline appearances during the game. A full replay of the game can be found on the NFL's YouTube channel here.

Victoria Chavez Named The World Games Athlete of the Year

Mexican national team flag football player Victoria Chavez was named The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025. Chavez polled ahead of the German DanceSport duo Marius Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska and fellow Mexican athlete Laura Burgos. Chavez caught the game-winning touchdown that defeated the United States in The World Games final, 26-21.