LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WLS) — The first-ever Illinois collegiate women’s flag football tournament concluded on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the state. Seven Illinois teams competed for the title at the Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall, building on last year’s historic collegiate matchup.
This weekend’s tournament was a celebration of the rapid growth of women’s flag football, a development that Chicago Bears leadership proudly supports.
“We consider this the home of girls flag football. This is where it all started. Obviously, it comes from tremendous support—from the Bears, from the McCaskey family, who care deeply about women’s sports,” said Gustavo Silva, Bears Director of Football Development.
Among the competing teams was Benedictine University, led by female head coach Caroline Schwartz—a significant moment for the program.
“I couldn’t have dreamt it before; it’s more than that. I just decided to hop on and brought in some really great coaches to help me, and the girls are amazing,” said Schwartz.
For Benedictine player Leilani Gawne, a senior student, flag football is a relatively new sport. However, she is energized by the possibilities it offers.
“I’ve always loved sports, and this is an opportunity to help a lot of women and help grow the sport,” Gawne shared. “Just staying in shape, being athletic, taking care of yourself, and knowing that it’s a new sport, so we’re all learning and growing together.”
Girls high school flag football was officially sanctioned as a sport in Illinois in 2024. Over recent years, the sport has exploded in popularity, paving the way for more collegiate teams and broader opportunities for women athletes.
“Potentially, some of our girls here could be playing in the 2028 Olympics and beyond. So, we really are just looking to bring girls and females into the ecosystem and benefit from everything that’s great about the sport,” Silva said.
The burgeoning growth of women’s flag football in Illinois signals a bright future for female athletes eager to embrace this exciting new frontier.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/first-illinois-collegiate-womens-flag-football-tournament-wraps-chicago-bears-walter-payton-center-halas-hall/18693663/
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