Ashlea Klam, a 21-year-old flag football athlete from Austin, Texas, is rapidly becoming a pivotal figure in the sport’s explosive growth. From facing mockery for playing what was once considered a “boy’s game” to securing a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team and landing an NFL ambassador role with the Houston Texans, Klam’s journey embodies flag football’s transformation. Her story is not just about personal success but reflects a broader shift in perceptions and opportunities within the sport.
The Rapid Rise of Flag Football
Flag football is experiencing unprecedented expansion, driven by increased accessibility at youth, high school, and collegiate levels, culminating in its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. According to USA Football, girls’ youth participation has surged by 222% since 2014. Klam’s influence as a world champion playing on scholarship at Keiser University and her new partnership with Unrivaled Sports, a leading youth sports network, are accelerating this trend.
The core mission is simple: make flag football universally accessible, particularly for girls who historically faced exclusion. Klam explains, “We’re really just trying to grow the game to where a girl feels like they have a place on the football field.” This means not just creating opportunities but also fostering an inclusive culture that embraces individuality, from “glitter freckles to crazy hair braids.”
Challenging Stereotypes and Expanding Opportunities
Klam acknowledges that outdated biases persist. She still hears comments dismissing flag football as a “boy’s sport,” but views this as a challenge to overcome. By increasing visibility, particularly through her NFL platform, she aims to shift perceptions and encourage broader participation.
One critical area for improvement is college recruitment. Despite the sport’s growth, financial constraints and limited scouting infrastructure hinder talented athletes from securing scholarships. Klam, in partnership with Unrivaled Sports, plans to launch showcases designed to connect college coaches with top prospects. The goal is to streamline recruitment and ensure deserving players have a fair chance at collegiate opportunities.
Mental Resilience and the Power of Support
Klam emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports, particularly for young athletes navigating societal pressures. She credits her strong support system—family, teammates, and mentors—for helping her overcome early doubts and stay motivated.
Her experience with the Texas Fury all-girls club team illustrates the transformative power of a supportive community. The team’s growth from ten players in 2017 to fifteen teams across Texas speaks to the increasing demand for inclusive flag football environments.
Ignoring the Noise, Inspiring the Next Generation
Despite facing online harassment, Klam remains undeterred. She recognizes that negative comments are often outweighed by the positive impact she has on aspiring athletes. One message from a young girl inspired by her visibility is worth a thousand hateful remarks.
Klam defines strength as the ability to overcome adversity, both on and off the field. Her journey exemplifies this resilience, demonstrating that flag football is a sport where anyone, regardless of age, size, or skill level, can thrive with passion and determination.
The future of flag football is now, and Ashlea Klam is leading the charge to make it more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for athletes of all backgrounds.
