Key insight Minnesota Vikings expand girls flag football with strong female leadership
The Minnesota Vikings’ sponsorship of a new high school girls flag football league is a game changer, providing 51 teams including St. Louis Park’s Orioles with opportunities for growth and inclusion. This initiative highlights the impact of female coaches like Kayla Ross, who brings experience as a professional player and educator to lead the Orioles. The program’s success depends on fostering a supportive environment where skill-building and participation are prioritized over judgment, especially amid early logistical challenges like equipment shortages.
Female leadership drives team culture and player confidence. – Kayla Ross, a 26-year – old P
E. teacher and Minnesota Vixen player, became the Orioles’ quarterback both on and off the field. – Ross recruited teammates Emily Sampson, Chloe Anderson, and Nicki Hiber to coach, fulfilling players’ requests for female mentors. – Her approach reduces pressure by normalizing mistakes during tryouts, telling players “You’re going to drop balls today, and that’s OK.” – This empathetic coaching style enhances player confidence, crucial for a sport new to many participants. – Ross’s background includes coaching JV basketball and soccer but this is her first time running a full program, showing growth alongside her athletes.
Q and A about expanding girls flag football and coaching support
Q: How many teams are part of the Minnesota Vikings-sponsored flag football league? A: The league eventually includes 51 teams across Minnesota high schools. Q: What role does Kayla Ross play with the Orioles and the Minnesota Vixen? A: Ross is the Orioles’ coach and a quarterback for the Minnesota Vixen professional women’s tackle football team. Q: How many players are on the Orioles’ varsity and junior varsity teams combined? A: Approximately 60 girls participate with no cuts from the teams. Q: What equipment challenges did the Orioles face at the start of the season? A: The Vikings provided 25 sets of flags and uniforms, which was not enough for the 60 players, requiring additional orders. Q: Why was having female coaches important to the players? A: The girls requested female coaches for support and mentorship, which Ross fulfilled by involving her Vixen teammates and staff.