Flag Football Arrives at Kent Place

The Kent Place Athletic Department is piloting a new spring athletics team — Girls Flag Football — and all Upper School students have an opportunity to try out.

In recent years, the National Football League (NFL) and the New York Jets have partnered with a number of states to launch Girls Flag Football. As football is a traditionally male-dominated sport and offered only at all-boys and coed schools, Girls Flag Football is a major step forward for women’s athletics, and the Kent Place Dragons are delighted to bring this program to campus.

In spring 2021, eight schools across New Jersey competed in the High School Girls Flag Football League, and because of its enormous success, more than 50 schools throughout the state are participating this upcoming season. In addition, the league is currently in discussions with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to sanction girls flag football as a varsity sport. 

Jesse Schulman, Assistant Director of Athletics at Kent Place, with the support of Vicky Browne, Director of Athletics, is spearheading the program for the Dragons.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be launching girls flag football this spring. As a school for girls, this is an incredible opportunity to continue paving the way for women’s athletics,” says Mr. Schulman. “In recent years, Kent Place has been at the forefront of getting girls ice hockey sanctioned by the NJSIAA, and it looks like girls flag football could be next. On a personal level, I’ve been playing flag football for more than 25 years and continue to play, coach, and referee in recreational leagues in and around New York City. I also met my wife while playing. I’m so excited to bring one of my passions to Kent Place Athletics.”

In January, Mr. Schulman and Ms. Browne hosted an information session with student-athletes to announce the addition of the sport. The interest exceeded all expectations, and some 40 students signed up. Since then, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding flag football have been palpable all around our campus. 

Tryouts begin March 8, and preseason for spring athletics officially kicks off on March 20. To learn more about the flag football program, check out the Navigator.

Good luck to all competing, and Go Dragons!