The energy inside Miami Dolphins headquarters was electric earlier this month when the organization hosted the 2026 Girls Flag High School Media Day, presented by Gatorade Water at Hard Rock Stadium. More than 60 high school girls’ flag football programs from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties gathered for a groundbreaking event focused on education, empowerment, and elite-level exposure.
In a moment that underscores the rapid growth of girls flag football in South Florida and across the nation, student-athletes stepped into a professional environment designed to mirror the NFL experience. From team photos and headshots to live press conferences and on-stage interviews, the day provided an unforgettable glimpse into what the future of women’s sports looks like.
Joining the athletes was Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold, who praised the participants’ leadership and trailblazing spirit.
Miami Edison Lady Red Raiders flag football team at the podium answering questions during Media Day.
(Courtesy of the Miami Dolphins)
“The way these girls are trailblazing the sport and spearheading it — being leaders within the community here in Florida and across the country — it’s really cool to see them take on that responsibility, enjoy it and run with it,” Ingold said.
Elevating girls flag football
The 2026 Girls Flag High School Media Day wasn’t just about cameras and microphones. It was about preparing student-athletes for long-term success.
Educational programming led by industry experts included NCAA and name, image, and likeness (NIL) education, academic and athletic recruiting pathways, and personal branding strategies. With women’s flag football recently recognized by the NCAA as an emerging sport for women, the pathway to college scholarships and national visibility has never been more tangible.
Athletes also participated in a USA Football workshop on social media best practices, leadership and soft-skills training from the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), and mental health programming focused on resilience and well-being.
In today’s NIL era, personal branding and digital presence are critical. These sessions equipped players with tools to maximize recruiting exposure, build confidence, and develop leadership skills both on and off the field.
“We’re proud to host the 2026 Girls Flag High School Media Day and provide local student-athletes with the experiences, resources, and exposure they need to grow and succeed on and off the field,” said Miami Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller.
“Thanks to partners like Gatorade Water, we’re able to continue empowering our local talent, provide resources for their success and support the continued growth of girls flag football in South Florida.”
Explosive growth for the sport
More than 60 high school girls flag football programs from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties were on hand for the 2026 Girls Flag Football High School Media Day presented by Gatorade Water at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
(Courtesy of the Miami Dolphins)
Flag football is no longer just a grassroots movement; it’s a national phenomenon.
The NFL has elevated the sport’s visibility by integrating it into the NFL Pro Bowl Games, where flag football has replaced the traditional full-contact format, showcasing speed, skill and strategy on a global stage. The sport’s Olympic momentum is even stronger, with flag football officially set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
For the young women at Hard Rock Stadium, the Olympic dream is now realistic. The exposure and development provided by events like Media Day are positioning South Florida as a powerhouse in the rapidly expanding girls flag football landscape.
Across three podiums representing Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, athletes fielded questions from local media members and college journalism students. The experience simulated a professional media setting, preparing them not just as players but as ambassadors for the sport.
Red Raiders defending title
Miami Edison Lady Red Raiders won the 2025 Class 1A State Girls Flag Football Championship with a 26-20 win over Wildwood at the AdventHealth Training Center, the indoor practice facility of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Among the standout programs in attendance were the Edison Lady Red Raiders, fresh off capturing the FHSAA Class 1A state championship last season. Their title run cemented them as one of Florida’s premier girls flag football programs and a rising national force.
Under the leadership of Miami-Dade Coach of the Year Vince Hall, Edison built a culture of discipline, speed and football IQ that overwhelmed opponents throughout the playoffs. Hall’s ability to develop talent and foster leadership has transformed Edison into a championship standard.
Leading the charge is senior quarterback Rakyia Wilson, the reigning Miami-Dade County Player of the Year. Wilson’s poise, arm strength, and playmaking ability fueled Edison’s championship run and have already generated significant recruiting buzz. Her dual-threat capability makes her one of the most dynamic players in South Florida girls flag football.
As the Lady Red Raiders prepare to defend their 1A state title, expectations are sky-high. But this is a team that embraces pressure. With veteran leadership, championship experience, and a proven coaching staff, Edison enters the 2026 season with one goal: repeat.
Their presence at Media Day symbolized more than just celebration; it signaled intent. Edison isn’t satisfied with one title. They’re building a legacy.
South Florida: The epicenter of girls flag football
South Florida continues to lead the nation in girls flag football participation and competitiveness. With support from organizations such as the Miami Dolphins and corporate partners investing in athlete development, the region has become a blueprint for growing the game.
The combination of NIL education, college recruiting pathways, mental health resources, and professional exposure makes events like the 2026 Girls Flag High School Media Day transformative. These student-athletes are no longer competing only for district titles and state championships; they’re pursuing scholarships, national recognition, and potentially Olympic dreams.
As flag football surges toward the 2028 Olympics and expands its presence at the NFL level, the young women of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties are poised to make history.
From the bright lights of Hard Rock Stadium to the pursuit of another state championship, the message is clear: girls flag football isn’t the future, it’s the now.