Coaching Trailblazers
The first-ever girls' flag football conference for coaches
The meteoric rise in girls flag football is unmistakable. It’s now a sanctioned sport in high schools and colleges across the country, global brands are pouring millions of dollars into the space, and the Olympic Committee is including it in the 2028 LA Olympic Games.
But in actuality, girls' flag football is still in its infancy. Coaches and players alike are learning this sport together. And we're here to help.
We’re bringing together the best high school girls’ flag football coaches and teams in Arizona for a one-day event unlike any other. Our purpose? To elevate these young women and trailblazers, and to encourage the coaches who mentor them.
9AM to 9:30AM CHECK IN & BREAKFAST
Come early! Doors open at 9:00am for registration, networking and breakfast.
9:30 to 9:45AM INTRODUCTION & WELCOME
Welcome address by Gridiron Football CEO, Scott Dillon, and Mesquite High School Head Coach, Chad Montgomery.
9:45AM to 10:30AM OPENING KEYNOTE
Featuring Vanita Krouch on being a trailblazer in flag football. Vanita is a 2023 member of the U.S. Women’s Flag National Team. She’s been a member of the national team since 2016, winning gold at the 2018 and 2021 IFAF World Championships and 2023 IFAF Americas Championships as starting quarterback and team captain. Team USA is 25-1 under her leadership. Regarded as one of the best flag football quarterbacks in the world (earning the title of the “Tom Brady of Flag Football") Vanita led her team at The World Games 2022 to the silver medal. You may’ve also seen her more recently serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl.
15 MINUTE BREAK
10:45AM to 11:30AM KEYNOTE
Featuring Lyndsey Fry on coaching the WHOLE female athlete. Lyndsey Fry grew up in Chandler, Arizona. When she was born, there were no less than 20 girls in the entire state playing ice hockey. With extraordinary determination, she went onto play 4 years of Division 1 college hockey at Harvard University. During her time at Harvard, she took a leave of absence for a year to play for the 2014 Olympic Ice Hockey Team and won the silver medal with Team USA.
After graduating, Lyndsey started her own company, Lyndsey Fry Hockey, which runs hockey camps for girls in small hockey towns throughout the United States. In 2018, Lyndsey was hired by the Arizona Coyotes as a Hockey Ambassador and helped lead the creation of two all-girls programs, Small Frys and the Arizona Kachinas which are the exclusive girls hockey programs in the state. In 2019, Lyndsey was selected to be a member of the NHL’s first Female Hockey Advisory Committee, and has since helped bring the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, the Professional Hockey Federation and the Rivalry Series to Arizona.
15 MINUTE BREAK
11:45AM to 12:30PM ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AND Q&A
– Being a trailblazer in women’s sports
- How to coach female athletes (from male / female perspective)
- Coaching the WHOLE person (mental, physical, emotional)
- Keeping girls in sports
- The future of girls’ flag football
12:30PM to 1:30PM LUNCH & LEARN
We'll enjoy a complimentary lunch while opening the floor to hear from local coaches and athletic directors, including Matt Stone, Head Coach of the Hamilton High School girls varsity flag football team. We look forward to hearing your experiences and perspectives on the current state of girls' flag football in Arizona and the future you hope to create for the students you serve.
1:30PM to 2PM CLOSING KEYNOTE
Featuring Jason Landas on the impact of club programs on girls flag football and the transition into college flag football. Jason started his coaching career with 7v7 club football. As girls flag football has grown, Jason made the switch to coach the Desert Ridge high school girls team and has created multiple all-girls flag football teams across The Valley through is program, Cobra Kai. He currently serves as Head Coach for the women’s flag football team at Grand Canyon University.
Gridiron Football Girls Training Camp
A free skills clinic for local female athletes
Gridiron Football Girls Training Camps are free programs for elementary and middle school-aged girls. Offered in conjunction with our coaches conference and showcase events, each camp consists of motivational speeches and interactive stations that teach foundational non-contact football skills. These camps are designed to be inclusive, providing a fun, safe developmental environment for all.
2:00PM to 3:00PM CHECK-IN
3:00PM to 4:30PM TRAINING CAMP
Showcase Event
A showcase of elite Arizona high school girls' flag football teams
The Arizona Showcase is a can’t-miss event featuring the top high school female flag football athletes in the state. Only 6 teams have the chance to compete, showcase their skills and take home the championship. There will be Offensive and Defensive Tournament MVPs, player/coach interviews, and exclusive event and championship swag for all participants.
6:00PM to 8:00PM SEMI-FINAL GAMES
Featuring six elite Arizona girls' high school flag football teams.
8:00PM to 9:00PM FINALS & CONSOLATION GAMES
Featuring six elite Arizona girls' high school flag football teams.
** THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC **
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** Registration is Closed **
The 2024 Arizona Coaches Conference + Showcase is at Mesquite High School on January 6, 2024
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