Flags Are Flying For Athletes Making Montana Grizzly History

A huge nationwide initiative with mass support from the National Football League is making waves in Missoula.

UM WOMEN'S FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM TAKES THE FIELD

Kyle Spurr with UM News Service introduces us to Ainsley MacKenzie, who knew she wanted to attend the University of Montana to study secondary education and work to become a high school teacher. But the freshman from Lakeridge, Oregon knew pursuing her educational goals would mean giving up her dreams of playing flag football in college. 

MacKenzie’s high school started women’s flag football two years ago, and she helped the team reach back-to-back undefeated seasons. She found a true passion for flag football. And while the sport is far from new, it is one of the fastest growing sports globally and will debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics. 

THE CLUB KEPT HER HERE

MacKenzie even considered transferring from UM to find an opportunity to keep playing the sport she loves. Just as she was feeling lost, MacKenzie heard about UM starting a club women's flag football team. She immediately signed up and joined about 20 other players for the team’s first practices.

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CHAPTER 1: GAMES SCHEDULED

In the UM News Service release, Ainsley was quoted as saying, “Griz flag is everything I ever dreamed of. Playing the sport I love at my dream school – I couldn’t really ask for more. Football means everything to me and being able to play in college is an absolute blessing.”

MacKenzie and her new Griz flag football teammates gathered in early January for the inaugural practice in the Adam Center’s East Auxiliary Gym.

A COACH WITH LOCAL TIES

UM's flag football team is coached by Rajiem Seabrook. He reminded the team that they were making history as the first collegiate program in the state of Montana and across the Northwest.

Coach Seabrook has been involved in football his entire life, most recently as a coach at Missoula Sentinel High School.

The Griz flag football team is preparing for their first games on March 28-29 in Billings against the University of Colorado Boulder’s club team.

May Griz flags fly high!