This spring marks an exciting new chapter for athletics at Cretin-Derham Hall with the introduction of girls flag football. As one of the newest high school sports gaining momentum across Minnesota, the program has already sparked interest among students, athletes, and coaches alike. With both junior varsity and varsity teams now competing, girls flag football offers students a new opportunity to represent CDH, build teamwork and connections across the
teams, and be a part of a growing sport. Flag football has seen major success in recent years, especially after the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL helped support its development in Minnesota schools, both public and private.
Chad Anderson has become the coach for this new sport at CDH. He wants to develop the program by building a strong foundation this year, so that next year, someone else can take over and keep unfolding its future development.
When Anderson was about why he added girls flag football this year, he stated, “seeing the growth of the sport last year and knowing the level of female athletes we have at CDH made it a no brainer.”
He noted that the team’s coachability and genuine eagerness to learn a new sport have been key to their early success. He also has highlighted that the national growth of the program, and the fact that it will be an Olympic sport in 2028, has helped fuel local attention.
“Minnesota growth matches the national growth rate, the development of a national program and the fact that it will be an Olympic sport in 2028 has aided the interest,” said Anderson about the phenomenon of expansion of girls flag football in Minnesota.
For the players, the experience has been just as rewarding. Josephine Hover ‘26 decided to join the team to try something new and spend time with her friends from all grades.
“The most exciting part has been winning and seeing how fun it is to play and have fun with my friends,” Hover mentioned.
While the season has been great so far, starting a program from scratch does come with its challenges. Hover noted that a primary challenge is “gaining publicity and viewers that will come to our games.” Despite the work of building a fan base, the team remains highly motivated.
Looking ahead, Anderson is optimistic about the talent on the field, especially since there is a very gifted group of underclassmen. He hopes this year’s positives will increase participation numbers so that when it becomes an official MSHSL sport in two years, the team will be equipped for a championship run.
Hover has a simple piece of advice for any wondering if they should join: “I would definitely say do it because it’s such a rewarding team sport and you will have so much fun and also get to learn a new sport!”
As of end of May, the CDH girls are undefeated and have advanced to section! Hopefully a good run is in their future!
