Penn begins title defense as Kingswomen open girls flag football tryouts

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Penn High School is back on the field with a different challenge this season.

After making history by winning Indiana’s first IHSAA-recognized girls flag football state championship last fall, the Kingswomen opened official tryouts Monday with their sights set on defending their title while rebuilding their roster.

Head coach Jerimiah Maggart said 65 athletes attended the first day of tryouts, where players competed in passing drills, route running and flag-pulling fundamentals. Penn will also have to replace eight seniors from last year’s championship team.

For Maggart, who previously coached wrestling, the opportunity to lead the girls flag football program has been a rewarding experience.

“I’ve coached wrestling for a while, so that’s been really fun, but this is just a totally different culture and mindset,” Maggart said. “It’s a lot of fun. I have a daughter, so now it’s like I have 50 of them. It’s really cool to see all the things they’re good at. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Penn enters the season with heightened expectations after capturing the inaugural state title. But the Kingswomen are also part of a sport that continues to gain momentum across Indiana.

More than 100 schools across the state have committed to fielding girls flag football teams, a milestone that could help the sport earn full IHSAA sanctioning in the future.

The sport’s growth extends beyond the high school level. Flag football is also set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Despite last year’s success, returning players say building the same team chemistry will be just as important as chasing another championship.

“Last year’s chemistry was something I enjoyed so much,” senior quarterback Quinn Driscoll said. “Everybody was super fun to play with and cheer on from the sidelines. I hope this year’s team can carry that same energy over.”

As Penn begins a new season, the Kingswomen are no longer trying to establish girls flag football in Indiana. Instead, they’re focused on proving they can remain the team everyone else is chasing.