KENOSHA, Wis. – The girls of Tremper High School are making history on the football field, and they’re not finished yet. In their very first season of girls flag football, the Tremper Trojans have earned a trip to Wisconsin’s inaugural girls flag football state tournament, scheduled for November 7 in Green Bay. The remarkable achievement marks a major milestone for the Kenosha school and a new chapter for girls athletics in Wisconsin.
The historic accomplishment comes after a successful inaugural season that saw nearly 40 girls show up for tryouts, determined to build something special. What started as a brand-new athletic opportunity at Tremper has quickly developed into a history-making program, with the Trojans now preparing to compete against teams from across Wisconsin. The players have demonstrated that determination, teamwork and a willingness to embrace a new challenge can produce extraordinary results, even for a program competing in its very first season.
From Summer Practices To A State Tournament Berth
Tremper Girls Flag Football Coach Kelly Marschel said she wasn’t sure what to expect when the program began over the summer. Starting a new athletic program presented plenty of unknowns, but the enthusiasm and dedication of the athletes quickly exceeded her expectations. Nearly 40 students attended the first day of tryouts, providing an early indication that girls flag football could become something special at Tremper.
“When we first started summer preseason practice, I really had no idea how it would go. But the girls were so dedicated and committed to improving. Then, on our first day of tryouts, we had almost 40 athletes. It just took off from there,” Marschel said. “The girls made individual and team goals for the season, and one of our senior captains, Jada West, made the best team goal of going to Green Bay to play in the state playoff tournament.”
That goal, established before the Trojans had ever completed their first season, has now become reality. For a team that began the year without an established history or previous seasons to build upon, qualifying for the inaugural state tournament represents an impressive accomplishment. The Trojans will now have an opportunity to test themselves against other teams from throughout Wisconsin while representing Tremper High School on a statewide stage.
A Captain’s Dream Becomes Reality
For senior captain Jada West, reaching the state tournament represents much more than winning football games. It’s an opportunity to establish a tradition for future generations of female athletes at Tremper and demonstrate what can happen when a group of students commits to a common goal. West entered the inaugural season determined to accomplish something memorable, and her teammates helped turn that ambition into reality.
“Going to state means so much to me because from day one, my mindset was set on doing something special in our very first year of girls’ flag football. We came into this season with a goal, and now we have the opportunity to make that goal a reality,” West said. “This is bigger than just flag football. We’re breaking barriers and creating a legacy that will last forever. I’m proud of every girl who has put in the work, trusted the process and believed in what we could accomplish together.”
West said the significance of the team’s success extends beyond the athletes currently wearing Tremper uniforms. She believes the inaugural team is helping create opportunities for younger girls who may someday follow in their footsteps. The team’s success has also given its players an opportunity to represent their school and community while participating in a sport that continues to gain popularity.
“Nobody can take away what we’ve built or the impact we’re making over the short amount of time. We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re playing for our school, our community and every little girl who will come after us. This is only the beginning of something special, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s making history,” West said.
From First-Time Players To State Tournament Competitors
Tremper student-athlete Mallory Meier said the team’s rapid improvement has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the inaugural season. What began as an opportunity to try a new sport has developed into a competitive team preparing for the biggest games of its young history. Meier said the players have exceeded expectations while developing their skills and building relationships throughout the season.
“Making history in this first season has been so much fun. Since we first started, we have gotten so much better and exceeded everyone’s expectations for this team,” Meier said. “I’m very honored to be a part of the very first flag football team at Tremper, and it feels very special to be playing with all of these girls growing the game.”
For Meier and her teammates, the opportunity to compete at the state level is another exciting first in a season already filled with milestones. The Trojans will face competition from other Wisconsin programs, giving the athletes a chance to see how their skills compare with teams from across the state. Meier said the excitement surrounding the tournament continues to grow as the historic competition approaches.
“I’m still so happy that we have made it to state, and I can’t wait to see the amazing competition from around Wisconsin!” Meier said.
A Growing Sport Opens New Doors For Female Athletes
Girls flag football is an emerging sport in Wisconsin, creating additional athletic opportunities for female students who want to participate in football. Unlike traditional tackle football, flag football uses a noncontact format in which defenders remove flags from opposing players rather than tackling them. The game still requires many of the same fundamental skills associated with football, including passing, catching, running routes, defensive positioning and strategic decision-making.
The Donald Driver-Driven NFL FLAG Football League provides opportunities for athletes of varying skill levels to participate while emphasizing football fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship and character development. For schools like Tremper, the growing sport offers another way for students to become involved in athletics, develop leadership skills and experience the camaraderie that comes with competing as part of a team.
Tremper’s inaugural season illustrates how quickly a new program can generate interest among students. With nearly 40 athletes attending tryouts and the team advancing to the state tournament in its first year, the Trojans have established an early foundation for future seasons. The players currently making history will also have the distinction of helping launch a program that could provide opportunities for Tremper students for years to come.
Trojans Head To Green Bay November 7
The Trojans will compete in the inaugural girls flag football state tournament on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Emplify Health Field, located at 1025 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay. Tournament times have not yet been announced, as organizers are waiting for other participating leagues to complete their seasons. Additional scheduling information is expected to become available once the remaining teams have been determined.
Kenosha residents, families, students and supporters are invited to make the trip to Green Bay to cheer on the Trojans as they represent their school and community in the historic competition. For the athletes, the tournament will provide an opportunity to compete for a state title while celebrating the accomplishments of a program that did not exist just a short time ago.
Regardless of what happens on November 7, Tremper’s inaugural girls flag football team has already accomplished something that can never be taken away. The Trojans will forever be remembered as the first girls flag football team in school history to qualify for a state tournament, establishing a milestone that future teams can aspire to match or surpass. What began with summer practices, nearly 40 hopeful athletes and an ambitious goal has become a historic first season for Tremper High School.
