Isabella Perez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Hamilton High School for AZPreps365.com

CHANDLER — Hamilton's girls flag football program started with just 12 players in 2014 and has since grown into a back-to-back state championship team helping expand opportunities for girls across Arizona.

“I mean that's even kind of beyond where I thought we could be by this point,” head coach Matt Stone said.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association officially sanctioned girls flag football in 2022, and the first official season began in fall 2023. Since then, the sport has continued to expand across the state, reaching approximately 135 to 140 participating high schools across four conferences from 3A through 6A.

Players on the team said that success comes down to more than what happens on the field. It starts with the relationships they build as a team and the work they put in together.

“I think just holding each other accountable, communicating with each other and making sure that everybody's at practice helps build the best program possible,” said senior captain Ricci Quinonez.

The Huskies have faced challenges maintaining a healthy roster this season, including a season-ending injury to quarterback Athena Vasquez, who tore her meniscus early in the season. Vasquez is a key offensive threat for Hamilton, known for sparking long drives.

Hamilton has adjusted by utilizing freshman quarterback Olive Craghead, who has led the Huskies to multiple wins, with an overall record of 5-6.

“It's not a one-person team, everybody wants to step up and show that they can own up to the name of Hamilton and defend our brand and be able to compete at whatever level they need to,” Vasquez said.

Hamilton's winning culture has also helped players pursue opportunities beyond high school.

Wide receiver Samaya Taylor-Jenkins joined the program as a sophomore and earned recognition through honors such as the Ed Doherty Award and Most Valuable Player at the 2026 NFL Flag College Showcase. She went on to play for Arizona Christian University.

Taylor-Jenkins also traveled to Australia to participate in a flag football game held before an NFL season-opening game that year.

“For our girls, not just at Hamilton but around Arizona, to get invited to these incredible opportunities where they can show off the sport and their own skills is amazing,”  Stone said. 

Stone started the Hamilton program in 2014 after leaving Desert Ridge.

The Huskies finished second in the 6A Premier Region during the first official season in 2023, behind Chandler. Hamilton took the next step in 2024 and 2025, winning the state title both times against Red Mountain.

Stone recalled that 12 girls attended the first meeting after he invited students from across the school to join the team.

“I told them, ‘Well, we can’t play with only 12, so it’s your job to go out and find more,’” he said.

What started with just a dozen girls eventually grew into a team that drew support from across Arizona. Stone said fans traveled from different parts of the state to watch Hamilton play and support the growing program.

“We can't just sit back and be happy that we've been successful because until the sport hits every school in Arizona and hits every girl that wants to play, our job isn't done,” Stone said. 

“Hamilton isn't successful until the whole state is successful.”