A New Era in Women’s Sports
Jazzy Dunaway, a standout student at Columbine High School in Colorado, is making history as the first athlete in her school to earn a scholarship for women’s flag football. Her journey not only highlights her personal achievements but also marks a significant moment in the evolution of women’s sports.
With flag football being introduced as an Olympic event, the sport has gained considerable attention. However, for Jazzy, it has always been more than just a trend—it’s a passion that has driven her to pursue her dreams.
Columbine High School has produced numerous talented athletes who have gone on to college through their athletic abilities. Yet, Jazzy stands out as the first Rebel to secure a scholarship specifically for women’s flag football. She will be heading to William Woods University, where she will continue to play and grow in the sport.
“I feel very empowered and very much as a leader,” Jazzy shared. “As young girls watch me go into college playing my sport, it will be an inspiration for them to know that they could have a future within the sport.”
Flag football may still be a relatively new chapter in women’s sports, but for Jazzy, it’s already shaping a powerful future. She believes that the sport offers opportunities for anyone willing to participate, regardless of their background or experience.
“I see the future of flag football for girls to be growing. Day by day, I feel like the sport is so new and welcoming that, whether you’ve never played flag football before or you’ve played football with your brothers your whole life, you can have a spot in this sport that’s meant for you,” said Jazzy.
For many, flag football is no longer just a sideline activity. It’s gaining recognition and becoming a central part of the sports landscape. Jazzy is leading this movement, and her best friend, Merideth Ernst, is following in her footsteps.
“She’s a huge role model to me,” Merideth said of Jazzy. “I took her experience and I kind of followed along with her and now we’re playing flag football in college together.”
Blueprint Academy, located inside Kula Performance Fitness Center, is known for training some of Colorado’s top talent. It’s also where Jazzy is making waves, and Coach Johnny Bridgewater has taken notice of her potential.
“He said, ‘Jazzy’s best skill is her ability to be coachable. Jazzy always wants to get better, so she’s always looking for constructive criticism.'”
What sets Jazzy apart isn’t just her speed and skill; it’s how she turns each piece of coaching into fuel for her game. While Jazzy is serving as an inspiration to many, she has her own source of motivation that keeps her driving down the field every day.
Columbine’s Head Coach Kurt Niepraschk says Jazzy’s work ethic and impact on the game are already shifting what’s possible.
“We see in 2028 they’re gonna have a boys’ flag football team in the Olympics and a girls’ flag football team in the Olympics. I think in Jazzy’s mind, she’s already thinking, ‘Hey, maybe I can have the opportunity and go try out for one of those Olympic teams,'” said Niepraschk.
Olympics or not, Jazzy’s already training like the stakes are global because big dreams don’t wait, and neither does she.
“I depart August 14th,” Jazzy said, smiling. “I’m really excited, I start my new chapter.”
Breaking barriers and shattering expectations, Jazzy is redefining the game for the next generation, proving that girls’ flag football isn’t just a sport; it’s a mission, a movement and a message to every girl who thinks she can’t.
