LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Los Alamitos High School has not always had a girls flag football team. Two years ago, LAHS class of 2025 alumna Rylee Robles took matters into her own hands to bring a sport that she loved to her school.

Robles’ petition to start a girls flag football team spread like wildfire, grabbing the attention of the LAHS community. What started as a rumor turned into a commitment, transforming LAHS with echoes of eager future athletes signing up and trying out the new sport.

“She talked to the teachers, she spoke to the students, she talked to everybody that she could. Got a petition signed, did everything that she was supposed to do by the letter,” said Coach Bowe, head coach of girls flag football. “And now we have flag football here at (LAHS), so we owe it all to her.”

With flag football’s explosive rise at LAHS, facing struggles and common challenges, it built a structure for participants to improve through hard work. After this big commitment, the legacy continues. Magnificent coaches have come in support of this sport, including Coach Bowe. 

With an early passion for football, Coach Bowe played tackle football his whole life, from elementary school to later playing for two years university, semi-pro. Unfortunately, he had to stop playing due to injuries. However, his passion never grew distant; it rekindled when his own kids showed interest in football.

When the chance came around for his daughter to be able to play football, it caught his attention, inspiring him to coach the LAHS girls flag football team.

“When the opportunity (two years ago) arose where she could play flag football again, just seeing that spark in her eye and wanting to do it, kind of made me want to get involved as well,” said Coach Bowe.

Girls flag football is not just a sport; it is a family and a community. Flag football has built confidence for girls at LAHS, teaching players the importance of communication and mutual support.

“Just do it,” said Amber Cosio, a player on the JV flag football team. “Just try, you will have so much fun doing it. You make so many friends.”

A big part of any game is always the crowd; receiving support from the stands brings unconditional reassurance and motivation to LAHS players on the field. With adrenaline rushing through you as each play goes, the crowd cheering you gives you the confidence to push yourself beyond your limit.

“Trust in your community… seeing everyone cheer for each other, supporting each other, no matter what happens, like even when we fail, everybody (still shows support)!” said Taylor Steece, another player on JV.

As flag football continues to thrive at LAHS, receiving endless encouragement from peers, young girls are able to develop sportsmanship, find a community, and have fun in the game. So why not lace up your cleats, snap on your flags and join the flag football family?