Fort Worth ISD’s flag football growth leads to historic signings with Texas Wesleyan
A Fort Worth ISD flag football player made history, becoming the first women’s varsity flag football signee in Texas, according to Texas Wesleyan University officials.
Isabel Ibarra, a Fort Worth North Side senior and Fort Worth ISD’s most valuable player, is the first signee of Texas Wesleyan’s varsity flag football program; Texas Wesleyan is the first university in Texas to start a team that will begin competing in spring of 2026.
“It’s such a special experience to be part of the first varsity flag football team at Texas Wesleyan and in the state of Texas,” Ibarro said during the signing ceremony at North Side High. “I am looking forward to being a Ram and am excited to be part of the team!”
Keenah Lambert, Texas Wesleyan’s inaugural head coach, attended Ibarra’s signing.
“We’re just so glad to have Isabel on our inaugural team,” Lambert said. “She was our first commit and first signee, and it makes it extra special that she’s from our community.”
Vaughn Aden, the second player to sign to Texas Wesleyan’s inaugural squad, attends Fort Worth Benbrook High School.
Ibarro and Aden’s signing is a big milestone for the progress of girls’ flag football in Texas. It’s a sign of the progress the sport has made, and Fort Worth ISD has been spearheading the charge at every step of the way.
Fort Worth ISD became one of the first public school systems in the United States to offer flag football. They’ve provided additional athletic opportunities in girls’ sports — in 2022, flag football championship games were played at AT&T Stadium.
Although flag football is not yet an official UIL varsity sport, there is growing support.
One example of the sport’s popularity is the Dallas Cowboys’ Girls Flag Football League, which has nearly 100 participating high schools, including 15 Fort Worth ISD schools.
NFL stars, such as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, have voiced their support of girls’ and women’s flag football.
As flag football’s popularity grows, NFL Flag aims to grow the sport nationally and globally. At the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, flag football will make its debut as an official competition.
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 10:47 AM.
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