The She Plays Flag Podcast

First-Year Lessons in Girls Flag Football with Coach Kelley Palfrey

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of She Plays Flag, I sit down with Kelley Palfrey, assistant girls flag coach at East Paulding High School.

As a first-year coach in the sport, Kelley shares what it was like stepping into girls flag football, organizing tryouts, building team culture, and learning the game alongside her players. The conversation dives into player-led learning, early program challenges, developing confidence in female athletes, and how new coaches can approach the sport without needing years of flag experience beforehand.

This episode is a great listen for:

new girls flag football coaches
athletic directors considering starting programs
coaches transitioning from other sports
anyone interested in the growth of girls flag football

Topics include:

building a first-year program
conditioning and tryout structure
culture development
coaching while learning
empowering athletes
teaching beginners

How Brandon Harwell Built Blessed Trinity into a Georgia Flag Football Power

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Coach Brandon Harwell of Blessed Trinity joins the She Plays Flag Podcast to talk about building one of Georgia’s top girls flag football programs and the coaching philosophy behind sustained success.

Coach Harwell shares his journey from coaching baseball and freshman tackle football into girls flag football, how coaching every position shaped the way he teaches the game, and why communication, efficiency, and adaptability matter so much in a growing sport.

We also discuss:

Building culture in a championship-level program
Coaching female athletes
Managing small coaching staffs
Translating tackle football concepts into flag football
Multi-sport athlete development
Practice organization and efficiency
The rapid growth of girls flag football in Georgia
Lessons learned from coaching multiple sports
Creating buy-in and accountability

This episode is packed with insight from one of the most respected coaches in the Georgia flag football community.

Building a Girls Flag Football Program: Culture, Practice & Reality | Jordan Davis

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

What does it actually take to build a successful girls flag football program?

In this episode of She Plays Flag, I sit down with Jordan Davis, Head Coach Girls at Allatoona HS in Georgia, to break down the realities of coaching, building culture, and running a program from the ground up.

Jordan shares his journey from multi-sport coaching into girls flag football, including how early experiences coaching his own kids shaped his understanding of the game and its unique strategy.

The conversation dives into:

What a strong program culture looks like
The gap between “ideal” programs and real-world challenges
How to structure practices and manage game day
Coaching philosophy vs. execution
Lessons learned from coaching multiple sports

This episode is especially valuable for:

New coaches entering girls flag football
Programs trying to build consistency and accountability
Anyone looking to understand how successful teams are actually run

As girls flag football continues to grow across the country, conversations like this highlight what it takes behind the scenes to build something sustainable.

Coaching Female Athletes in a Growing Game with Kelly Bendall - Milton HS, Alpharetta GA

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the She Plays Flag Podcast, I sit down with Kelly Bendall, assistant girls flag coach at Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Kelly didn’t come into flag football with a background in the sport. She came in as a coach.

With years of experience in soccer and a deep understanding of how to lead and connect with female athletes, she stepped into a brand new game, learned it in real time, and helped build one of the most respected programs in the state.

This episode focuses on what matters when you’re starting out in flag football:

How to coach when you don’t know the sport yet
Why relationships come before schemes
How girls teams build culture differently
What new coaches should focus on first
Why female coaches are essential in this space
What the growth of college flag football means for today’s players

Kelly shares incredible insights into coaching female athletes and leaves us with a clear message:

You don’t need to be an expert in flag football to get started.
You need to be willing to step inside the fence.

Dakota Hughes: Leadership, Resilience, and the Rise of Girls Flag Football

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dakota Hughes has lived nearly every chapter of the women’s flag football story.

From a childhood spent throwing the football in the backyard to becoming the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Steam, Dakota’s path eventually led her into coaching and developing the next generation of players.

In this episode, she shares the lessons she learned stepping into leadership at a young age, why adversity and failure are essential parts of growth, and how sports can shape confidence, resilience, and character.

Dakota also discusses the rapid rise of girls flag football and the responsibility coaches carry to lead athletes not just on the field, but in life.

This episode gives us a look at the mindset, leadership, and purpose that continue to shape the game as it grows.

Inside One of Georgia’s Top Girls Flag Programs with Coach Clark Nixon

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Clark Nixon, head coach of the Milton High School girls flag football team in Georgia. Clark didn’t come from the flag world. He was a math teacher, basketball coach, and tennis coach who simply loved football and saw an opportunity to create something meaningful for girls in his school.

Starting with just a handful of players and no prior flag experience, Clark and his staff built a program that now competes at the highest level in Georgia.

We talk about what those early days really looked like: recruiting athletes, teaching football from scratch, navigating multi-sport participation, and building a culture that lasts beyond one season.

Clark also shares what it means to coach a sport that is growing rapidly across the country, and why the girls playing today are truly trailblazers for the future of football.

This conversation is a blueprint for coaches, athletic directors, and communities who are thinking about starting girls flag football programs of their own.

From State Champion to National Team Trials: Lacey Abell Is Building What She’s Chasing

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the She Plays Flag Podcast, I sit down with Lacey Abell, Head Coach at Arvada West High School in Colorado and a member of the 2024 USA Football Women’s National Team pool.

Lacey’s football story didn’t begin with organized opportunities. It started in the backyard in Wisconsin, moved through co-ed leagues, rugby in college, national travel tournaments, and eventually onto the USA Football trial field.

We talk about:

Growing up loving a sport that didn’t have much of a path for girls
Earning opportunities in adult travel flag
The process and pressure of USA Football national team trials
What elite evaluation looks like
The mindset of playing quarterback at a high level
Transitioning from player to high school head coach (while still playing!)
Building a program during Colorado’s rapid flag football expansion
Teaching football IQ to first-generation players

Lacey brings a rare perspective actively competing at the national level while coaching high school athletes who are just beginning their football journeys.

It’s about growth, leadership, standards, and what it means to build something that didn’t exist a generation ago.

From Zero to 51 at Santa Monica High School with Coach Ramsey Lambert

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down with Ramsey Lambert, Head Coach of girls flag football at Santa Monica High School in California.

When Santa Monica launched its program, 51 girls showed up to the first tryout ...and none of them had ever played football before.

We talk about what it looks like to build a program from scratch:

Teaching football terminology from the ground up
Slowing down the install process so athletes can truly learn
Creating culture before worrying about wins
Why celebration had to be taught
Losing 14 seniors after a championship season and rebuilding
The growth of girls high school flag football across California
Middle school pipeline development and long-term sustainability
Collaboration among coaches in a new and rapidly growing sport
Advice for new coaches entering girls flag
Advice for families navigating this emerging space

Building Champions at Pope HS with Head Coach Kevin Fraser

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of She Plays Flag, I talk with Kevin Fraser, head coach of the Pope High School Girls Flag Football program. Kevin and the Pope Greyhounds have just completed a state championship season and are busy building for the future. We discuss the growth of girls flag football, the challenges of building a program from scratch, and the importance of community support. Kevin shares his journey into coaching, the structure of his coaching staff, and how he teaches football fundamentals and IQ to new players. He emphasizes the need for efficiency in practice, the use of technology like Playmaker X, and the significance of creating a pipeline for future players. We also touch on the future of girls flag football and Coach Fraser offers some valuable knowledge for new coaches entering the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:33 Celebrating the State Championship

02:00 National Rankings and Future Plans

03:40 Growth of Girls Flag Football

04:32 Kevin Frazier's Journey to Coaching

07:22 Building the Pope High School Girls Flag Football Program

09:36 Early Challenges and Learning Experiences

11:50 Coaching Staff and Roles

18:57 Practice Structure and Philosophy

24:06 Player Experience and Development

29:18 High IQ Team and Coaching Bright Kids

30:49 Importance of Simplicity in Coaching

32:14 Building a Successful Program: Community and School Support

34:16 The Role of Fun in Sports

36:25 Tools and Technology for Coaching

40:30 Developing a Pipeline and Youth Programs

45:44 Future of Girls Flag Football

50:18 Advice for New Coaches

56:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Just Do It: Starting From Scratch in Northeast Ohio

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the She Plays Flag podcast, I sit down with Jay Ross, head coach of the Madison High School Girls Flag Football Program in Northeast Ohio. Jay discusses how he built the program from the ground up, starting with just a handful of interested girls recruited through a Snapchat message. The conversation covers the practical and personal aspects of starting and running a girls' flag football team, including fundraising, maintaining fun while increasing competitiveness, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the burgeoning flag football ecosystem. The episode also touches on the importance of female coaches, the impact of social media, and the potential for girls to play at the collegiate level as the sport grows.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:24 Guest Introduction: Jay Ross

02:20 Jay Ross's Journey into Flag Football

03:35 Starting the Madison High School Girls Flag Football Program

07:26 Challenges and Growth of the Program

10:39 Support and Resources from the Cleveland Browns

20:57 Balancing Flag Football with Other Sports

26:11 The Future of Girls Flag Football

28:12 Introduction to the Exciting World of Girls Flag Football

28:36 Building Opportunities for Girls in Flag Football

29:07 Training and Showcases: Preparing for the Season

30:35 Navigating the Growing Ecosystem of Girls Flag Football

32:10 Balancing Genuine Opportunities and Financial Motives

34:03 Creating a Supportive Community for Girls Flag Football

35:32 The Role of Coaches in Girls Flag Football

37:14 Encouraging Girls to Play and Grow in Flag Football

38:39 The Importance of Social Media and Community Engagement

40:48 Challenges and Innovations in Coaching Girls Flag Football

51:59 Advice for Parents and Coaches New to Girls Flag Football

55:57 Conclusion and Ways to Follow the Madison Girls Flag Football Program

Florida's 20 Year Headstart with Jeremy Hernandez of the Florida HS Athletic Association

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the She Plays Flag Podcast, host Matt Mashburn discusses the growth and development of girls' flag football in Florida with Jeremy Hernandez from the Florida High School Athletic Association. Jeremy shares his journey from New Mexico to Florida, where he took on the role of overseeing girls' flag football. He highlights the significant progress made since the sport was first sanctioned in Florida in 2003, noting the increase in participation and the establishment of a competitive framework. The conversation delves into the advantages Florida has over other states, particularly in terms of experience and infrastructure, as well as the challenges that come with rapid growth, such as the need for more officials and the potential for scheduling conflicts with other sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Girls' Flag Football

03:04 The History of Flag Football in Florida

05:39 Florida's Competitive Advantage in Flag Football

09:02 Challenges in Growing the Sport

13:04 The Role of Coaches and Officials

17:12 Attracting Girls to Flag Football

22:58 Future Opportunities for Female Athletes

30:12 Challenges of Growth in Flag Football

32:26 Structure of Girls' Flag Football in Florida

35:31 Encouraging New Programs

37:23 Interest from Other States

40:02 The Future of Flag Football

42:20 Risks of Rapid Growth

45:57 Planning for Sustainable Growth

47:04 Exciting Future Prospects

Building and Sustaining in Georgia with Coach Jake Burgdorf, McEachern HS, Georgia

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Thanks for joining Episode 2 of the She Plays Flag Podcast. For this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Jake Burgdorf, Head Girls Flag coach at McEachern High School in Georgia. Coach and I discuss the growth and development of girls' flag football at his McEachern program and in Georgia at-large. Jake shares his journey from coaching tackle football to leading a successful flag program, emphasizing the importance of building a strong culture and commitment among players. He reflects on the challenges faced in the early years, including player attendance and buy-in, and how he has worked to create a competitive environment that attracts over 100 girls to try out each year. Jake also highlights the significance of feeder programs and the need for early education in the sport to bridge the knowledge gap for new players.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jake Burgdorf and McEachern High School

01:06 Jake's Journey from Tackle to Flag Football

03:43 Challenges and Successes in Girls Flag Football

07:39 The Growth of Girls Flag Football in Georgia

12:33 Changing the Culture and Commitment in the Team

16:24 Coaching Education and the Future of the Sport

20:05 Building Community and Support for Girls Flag Football

26:48 The Importance of Early Skill Development

32:28 Creating a Competitive Culture

37:34 Teaching the Basics to New Players

41:58 Adapting Coaching Strategies for Flag Football

45:42 Utilizing Video Analysis for Player Growth

52:24 Building a Strong Foundation for Future Success

Growing the Game: The View from Colorado with Coach Greg Johnson, Ralston Valley HS, Colorado

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Thanks for joining the inaugural episode of She Plays Flag!

In this conversation, Coach Greg Johnson discusses his journey as the head coach of Ralston Valley High School's girls flag football team in Colorado. He shares insights on building the program from scratch, the growth of girls flag football in the state, and the importance of fostering a positive environment for athletes. Coach Johnson emphasizes the need for patience, communication, and respect among players, coaches, and parents. He also highlights the future of girls flag football, including recruiting opportunities and the potential for the sport to grow nationally.

Takeaways

Ralston Valley High School has a strong athletic reputation.
The girls flag football program has seen significant growth in Colorado.
Building a program from scratch requires patience and dedication.
Communication with athletes and parents is crucial for success.
Girls flag football is gaining recognition and support at the state level.
The structure of high school flag football in Colorado includes two divisions: 4A and 5A.
Recruiting for girls flag football is evolving with more opportunities available.
Coaches should focus on building trust and respect with their players.
The future of girls flag football looks promising with potential for college scholarships.
Creating a positive environment is essential for the growth of the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ralston Valley High School and Coach Johnson

12:15 Building the Flag Football Program from Scratch

22:38 Challenges and Future of Girls Flag Football in Colorado

24:17 Coaching Challenges and Volunteer Support

25:58 Training the Next Generation of Coaches

28:30 Building a Flag Football Community

29:35 Developing Youth Programs and Camps

30:54 The Importance of a Strong Pipeline

31:45 Differences Between Freshmen and Upperclassmen

37:06 Structure of High School Girls Flag Football in Colorado

44:00 Future of Girls Flag Football in Colorado

50:16 The Joy of Watching Daughters Play Football

54:37 Pathways for Girls in Football After High School

01:00:55 Navigating the Recruiting Landscape

01:05:15 Advice for New Coaches in Flag Football

01:14:34 Building a Positive Culture in Sports