The Austin Independent School District began its 2026 High School Girls Flag Football League season on March 28, marking the second year of partnership with the Dallas Cowboys to support girls’ flag football in Central Texas.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand athletic opportunities for female students, with organizers aiming for eventual University Interscholastic League sanctioning. This year, the Houston Texans have joined the Dallas Cowboys in supporting more than 200 public high school girls flag football teams across the region.
More than 250 student athletes from Austin-area schools are participating in this year’s league. Schools involved include Akins, Anderson, Ann Richards, Austin High, Bowie, Crockett, Eastside, Hays, Johnson, Lasa, LBJ, Legacy, Lehman, Liberty Hill, MacCallum, Navarro, Northeast and Travis high schools.
Crystal Victorino, Academic Coordinator at Austin ISD said: “This is such a special moment and an incredible opportunity for our female student-athletes to get out there, compete and be part of something bigger than themselves. We’re so grateful to the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation, Danny McCray and Whitney Faulkner from the Dallas Cowboys for their support in helping bring this vision to life.” Victorino also said: “We can’t wait to see these young women shine, build lasting friendships, compete with heart and showcase their amazing talent.”
The district supports a multicultural environment where over 100 languages are spoken by students according to its official website. It operates 116 diverse school communities including elementary through high schools as well as specialized programs according to its official website. The district maintains a graduation rate of 93.3 percent and exceeds state averages on SAT and ACT scores according to its official website.
Austin ISD educates more than 72,000 students with over 5,000 classroom teachers across these varied campuses according to its official website. The district focuses on partnerships with families and community members so that students gain knowledge and skills needed for college or career success according to its official website. Instruction is provided in more than 100 languages with programs offered in eleven languages other than English according to its official website.
Community members interested in attending games can find full season schedules through resources provided by the Dallas Cowboys.