American-style football is arguably the most popular sport here in Hawaii. And since its inception, the high school game has been played almost exclusively by boys. But now, girls finally get their shot.
“It means a lot to me because it was a long time waiting for us and I know there’s a lot of girls out there who want to be serious with flag football,” says Moanalua High School quarterback Zaira Sugui. “This gives them the opportunity to showcase their talent and finally get out there for flag football.”
Moanalua quarterback Zaira Sugui (far left), goes back to pass against Kaimuki.
Hawaii is the 12th state to officially recognize girls flag football as a high school sport. In its inaugural season, HMSA is proud to support this growing sport by providing access to a protective helmet for every athlete.
“Our heads are the most important part of our bodies and we need to keep them protected at all times,” says Kailua High School linebacker Aleah Ortiz. “If we’re playing safe, we’re playing good.”
Kailua High School linebacker Aleah Ortiz proudly displays her HMSA-sponsored flag football helmet.
“It’s so physical, but that physicality comes at a cost,” says HMSA President and CEO Mark M. Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S., who coached Iolani School to seven boys basketball state championships from 1994 to 2006. “Sports can be violent sometimes and that’s why it’s so important that you have the right equipment to protect you. Injuries can affect you in the short term and the long term. So if we’re going to ask our girls to go out there and give it their all and play hard, we’ve got to keep them safe and protect them,” he says.
Moanalua High School head coach Ladd Mokiao says that even though flag football is a non-contact sport, accidents happen. “I thank HMSA for giving us the helmets. I try to make it mandatory for the girls to wear them. I’ve been around this sport for a very long time. Collisions happen,” he says.
Hawaii has always been a leader when it comes to gender equality in education and in sports. The late U.S. Representative Patsy Mink – born and raised in Paia, Maui – authored Title IX, the groundbreaking federal law that ensures equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender, to participate in federally supported educational programs and activities – including athletics.
“It’s exciting. It’s been blowing up over the past couple of years. It’s a great opportunity for our girls in Hawaii,” says Kailua High School’s head coach, Fatu Sua-Godinet. “We’re appreciative of HMSA and everything that they did to step in with the helmets and everything else that they sponsored throughout this first season.” Flag football, both womens and mens competitions, has seen tremendous growth in popularity, not just in the United States, but around the globe. Women’s flag football is set to debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Kailua head coach Fatu Sua-Godinet with the team before kickoff against Kalaheo.
“I feel truly blessed to be able to compete in this sport,” said Kailua High School wide receiver Amythest Thomas-Sare. “I’ve been asking for a while to play and I finally got the opportunity to, so I’m very happy.”
See the athletes in action and hear from the players, coaches, and HMSA’s President and CEO, Mark Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S. about how player safety results in playing well on the field:
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