The game of football is changing, but not because of flag pulling or the absence of tackling. The rise of flag football is bringing opportunities to young women to play a sport that wasn’t always accessible to them.

Within the past five to seven years, women’s flag football has seen growth across the country at the high school level. For college athletics, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced women’s flag football as an official varsity sport in 2021, after partnering with the National Football League (NFL) and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX).

Not to mention, at least 65 NCAA schools are sponsoring women’s flag football at either a club or varsity level, with more expected in 2026, according to the NCAA.

Despite seeing such progress at a youth level, the ultimate goal for these athletes will take place in Los Angeles, as flag football was officially added to the 2028 Summer Olympics.

With all the recent hype, local girls’ flag football coaches called for a combine where young athletes could showcase their skills and compete against one another. On June 21, girls, ages 13 to 17, arrived at San Diego State’s practice field to show the coaches and SDSU players what they had.

The coaches began with dynamic warmups to get the athletes loose for their first drills. The group was then split into their desired positions, such as quarterback, receiver, and defensive back, where they worked on offensive or defensive drills that were unique to their position.

After spending some time with individual skills training, they moved into one-on-one scrimmages—one receiver trying to get open with a specific route and one defender trying to deny the receiver of catching the ball. Next, they moved into two-on-two, then finished the combine with a full seven-on-seven scrimmage. The coaches had everyone huddle up after and thanked all the athletes for coming and giving their all.

“It was amazing, personally, being from San Diego since 1986,” coach Derek Ferrell said. “Being a part of bringing a new generation of girls’ flag football to San Diego…inspiring the next generation to continue in their skill of playing flag football.”

With high energy and excitement from those involved, the girls were eager to play their hardest and learn from their peers.

“When you give someone energy, they give it back to you,” said Ferrell. “You have to inspire for people to follow.”

As a dad, it isn’t hard for Ferrell to bring the energy and joy. But he can’t make the difference on his own. The assistance from other coaches is one thing, but having some of the SDSU football players to help lead the way meant everything to him.

“It’s very great to have them out here because all of us being in San Diego, it’s Aztecs,” Ferrell said. “That’s our football team and that’s our leadership.”

With the guidance of collegiate athletes, the young competitors have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons that can impact their athletic journey.

“They’re really athletic for their age,” SDSU football redshirt freshman safety Prince Williams said. “These people are going to be more developed. They’re going to be faster, they’re going to be stronger, and with them being mentally introduced to the game, they’re going to be able to adapt.”

With some of the kids already playing the game at an elite level, the coaching from SDSU’s players can take their game to the next level.

“There are some kids that definitely stand out…doing the drills pretty fast, and it looks like they know what they’re doing already,” freshman linebacker Jeremiah Tuiileila said. “It wouldn’t be surprising if we see some of these kids in the Olympics in the future.”

The kids were also lucky enough to learn from someone who finished in second place in the 2025 NAIA National Championship. Keisier sophomore wide receiver Hanna Lencioni finished her freshman season just short of a national title. The Seahawks finished their season 20-2, marking their best year since women’s flag football officially became a varsity sport in 2021.

“It’s awesome to see all the girls playing and everything,” Lencioni said. “I just want to put my cleats on and work with them, but it’s great to be on the other side and see what the coaches see.”

Having a similar dream of her own, she can display her work ethic and passion that will potentially lead her to a spot on an Olympic roster. With such a strong athletic ability, she’s able to pass her knowledge down to the younger generation.

“I never thought that I was going to be here, honestly,” Lencioni said. “I just want to inspire them and give them all the tips and tricks they can do so they can be better.”

After three hours of drills, conditioning, and scrimmages, the girls left everything on the field and proved to be passionate about flag football. But none of this would be possible without the help of the community.

“San Diego is really starting to represent,” Ferrell said. “We’re getting a lot of support and backing from the community, which is helping to back our families and parents to go to these opportunities for USA football.”

The girls had a lot of knowledge to take away from the event, but this is just the beginning. What they learned at the combine will potentially help them on their journey to a destination that nobody has reached—playing flag football in the Olympics.

“Trust the process,” Williams said. “During the process, you’re going to work, you’re going to keep on getting better. And if you really love it…you’re going to inspire yourself even more every day.”

BOSTON — Years from now, it will be interesting to look back at the 2025-26 hockey season and determine which team featured more future Boston Bruins regulars – the Providence Bruins or Boston College.

If Vegas had odds on such things, they’d likely be pretty close.

After the NHL’s two-day draft ended on Saturday, the Boston College roster this fall figures to be filled with players whose draft rights belong to the NHL team just up the road.

Boston College has always produced professional talent and many members of the Eagles Alumni Association’s NHL chapter have spent time in Boston, including Bill Guerin, Brian Leetch, Craig Janney and Steve Heinze.

More recently, BC alumni Patrick Brown and Marc McLaughlin have each been up and down between Boston and Providence.

But this year the total will be especially large. Six Bruins prospects, including three of their highest recent draft picks, will all be Eagles.

General manager Don Sweeney joked that the arrangement reduces travel costs.

“Adam McQuaid, who heads up our development, that’s an easy commute for him,” he said laughing.

In actuality, it’s largely a fortunate accident. Most picked BC before the Bruins picked them.

“It’s unique. It’s one of the coincidences that happen. They made decisions regardless of where they’re being drafted,” Sweeney said. “Is it a benefit that they’re in you’re backyard and sometimes practicing at Warrior so we can watch them and sometimes go down and say hello? Yeah. There’s a good benefit to that.

“They get to know the city. They’re excited about our team. They might come to see a game,” he continued. “They know they’re playing the Beanpot (at TD Garden) where we play every night. It’s a nice side benefit when they go there.”

The Bruins drafted James Hagens in the first round and Will Moore in the second this weekend. Both figured to be top six forwards in maroon and gold.

Boston is hoping that Dean Letourneau, last year’s No. 1 pick, who struggled as a freshman at BC, will take a step forward and join them as key contributors at the Heights..

Oskar Jellvik (Boston’s fifth-rounder in 2021) and Andre Gasseau (Bruins’ seventh-rounder in 2021) will be seniors for the Eagles. Kristian Kostadinski (Bruins seventh rounder in 2023) will be a freshman at BC this year too.

European players often relocate to North America after being drafted either to play junior hockey or go to college. Jellvik and Kostadinski each enrolled at BC after being drafted by the Bruins.

While nothing has been announced or even insinuated, it wouldn’t be surprising if any of the three European picks did the same.

The Rise of Diego Pavia in the NIL Landscape

In the evolving world of college football, where the transfer portal has become a bustling marketplace, few stories capture the essence of ambition and opportunity like that of Diego Pavia. As quarterbacks across the nation navigate lucrative NIL deals, Pavia’s journey stands out not only for its financial implications but also for the intrigue surrounding his next steps.

Quarterbacks Commanding Attention

This transfer portal season has emerged as a defining moment for quarterbacks, who are increasingly leveraging their talents to secure substantial NIL agreements. The trend has seen players like Carson Beck transition from Georgia to Miami with a reported $4 million deal, while Darian Mensah has made headlines by joining Duke with an astonishing $8 million contract. These figures paint a vivid picture of a new era in college sports, where financial incentives are reshaping the landscape.

Diego Pavia’s $4.5 Million Journey

At the center of this whirlwind is Diego Pavia, a name that has resonated throughout the college football community. His reported $4.5 million NIL deal signifies not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the growing financial stakes in college athletics. Pavia’s potential move has sparked conversations about the future of NIL agreements and the strategic decisions athletes must consider as they navigate their careers.

Challenging Rumors and Speculations

Recently, however, Pavia’s story took an unexpected turn when an industry expert cast doubt on rumors regarding an offer from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This development raises questions about the authenticity of the claims and highlights the complexities athletes face in an environment rife with speculation. The expert’s challenge serves as a reminder that while the allure of significant financial offers is enticing, the reality often involves a web of negotiations and strategic considerations.

The Broader Implications for College Football

Pavia’s situation encapsulates the broader implications of NIL deals in college football. As players increasingly prioritize financial security, the dynamics of recruitment and team composition are shifting. Coaches and programs must now navigate not only the athletic prowess of their recruits but also their marketability and potential for lucrative endorsements. This evolution is reshaping the traditional paradigms of college athletics, where performance on the field is only part of the equation.

A Future Full of Possibilities

As Diego Pavia continues to explore his options, the unfolding narrative around his NIL deal and the challenges he faces reflects a larger trend in college sports. The intersection of talent, ambition, and financial opportunity is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete in today’s landscape. With each passing season, the stakes grow higher, and the stories of young athletes like Pavia remind us of the transformative power of sport in shaping futures.

In this new era, the journey of a quarterback like Pavia serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale, illustrating the delicate balance between ambition and reality in the pursuit of success. As the dust settles on this transfer portal season, one thing remains clear: the future of college football will be shaped by those who dare to dream and navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing environment.

The Unsung Influence Behind Nick Saban

In the world of college football, where victories are often attributed to tactical genius and athletic prowess, the importance of personal support systems can sometimes be overlooked. For Nick Saban, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history, this support comes from a deeply committed partner—his wife, Terry Saban. As the landscape of college football shifts dramatically with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, Terry’s role is emerging as a pivotal asset in navigating these uncharted waters.

Navigating the NIL Landscape

The introduction of NIL has transformed the college sports arena, allowing athletes to capitalize on their personal brands in ways previously unimaginable. While many coaches and programs scramble to adapt to this new reality, Saban has maintained a distinct approach, choosing to remain somewhat aloof from the frenzy surrounding NIL deals. His focus has primarily been on the traditional values of discipline, hard work, and team cohesion. Yet, this does not mean he is ignoring the implications of NIL; rather, he is strategically positioning himself and his program for long-term success.

Terry Saban’s influence is crucial in this context. Her deep understanding of the college environment and her ability to connect with players and families alike provide a stabilizing force as the team navigates these changes. She is not just a supportive spouse; she is an integral part of the Alabama football program, helping to foster relationships that are essential in an era where personal branding can make or break an athlete’s career.

A Legacy Built on Values

Saban’s coaching philosophy has always emphasized the importance of character and integrity. He instills these values in his players, teaching them that success is not solely measured by accolades but also by the impact they have on their communities and the legacy they leave behind. Terry echoes this sentiment, often engaging with players and their families to reinforce the importance of making wise choices in their personal and professional lives.

As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, the Sabans are well-positioned to guide their athletes through the complexities of endorsement deals and personal branding. Their commitment to fostering a supportive environment allows players to focus on their development both on and off the field.

The Future of College Football

With the college football season underway and fan sentiments reaching new heights, the Saban household stands as a testament to the power of partnership. As Nick Saban continues to build his legacy, Terry’s contributions are proving to be invaluable. Together, they embody a model of leadership that prioritizes not only athletic excellence but also personal growth and responsibility.

In this new era of college athletics, where the lines between amateurism and professionalism blur, the Sabans represent a guiding light for aspiring athletes. Their story reminds us that behind every great leader, there is often an equally great partner—one who helps to shape the future while honoring the past. As they navigate the challenges ahead, the Saban legacy is sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of college football, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness both on and off the field.