In Idaho, a group of dedicated young athletes is putting the state on the map for the fast‑growing sport of girls flag football. The Idaho Bratz, founded by local coach Tanner Brock after high schools showed little interest, have become a travel team that practices year‑round, even when no games are scheduled.
Local Commitment Fuels National Ambitions
Senior sophomore MacKenzie Verdu says she keeps returning to practice because she loves the sport and wants to keep improving. “I just love the sport of football, and I just think it’s great to get extra practice. Even if we weren’t a travel team, I would still keep coming back,” she explained.
That commitment has paid off. The Bratz competed in two major tournaments in Las Vegas this year, and two of their players earned coveted Under Armour Top 100 honors, a distinction that connects athletes with college coaches and national recruiters.
Top 100 Recognition Opens Doors
Junior Kalia Farias described the impact of the Top 100 list: “Being in the top 100 was really important for me because it gave me more opportunities to connect with college coaches and recruiters and other teams as well, and it felt special to me because it came out of a little town in Idaho.”
Although travel costs prevented the team from attending the associated camp, the recognition alone is already expanding opportunities for the Bratz players.
Upcoming Events and Partnerships
The team’s schedule includes upcoming competitions in Arizona and Salt Lake City, and they are set to compete in the Under Armour National Tournament in April. In addition, the Bratz have partnered with former NFL wide receiver Kayaune Ross, now an Under Armour athlete and a camp director with Nike Sports Camps, to provide additional training resources and exposure for the athletes.
Path Toward the 2028 Olympic Games
Girls flag football is slated to debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Games. By competing at high‑level tournaments and earning national honors, the Idaho Bratz are positioning themselves and their teammates for potential Olympic selection, while also showcasing Idaho’s talent on a national stage.
Coach Brock emphasizes that the team’s mission goes beyond competition: “We want to give local girls the chance to chase their dreams, whether that leads to a college scholarship, a spot on an Olympic roster, or simply a lifelong love of the game.”
The Idaho Bratz continue to train hard, travel far, and represent their community with pride, proving that dedication and community support can turn a small‑town team into a national contender.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
