Columbine High School's Jazzy Dunaway Makes History with Flag Football Scholarship
Jazzy Dunaway is making history as the first athlete from Columbine High School to secure a college scholarship for women's flag football. This achievement comes as the sport gains recognition, especially with its inclusion in the Olympics.
While many athletes at Columbine have earned scholarships through traditional football, Jazzy stands out as a pioneer. She will be attending William Woods University, marking a significant milestone for her school and for female athletes in flag football.
"I feel very empowered and very much as a leader," Jazzy expressed. "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 is still emerging in the realm of women's sports, yet Jazzy is already envisioning a bright future for it. "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," she stated.
As flag football gains momentum, Jazzy is at the forefront of this movement. Her best friend, Merideth Ernst, is also inspired by her journey. "She's a huge role model to me," Merideth said. "I took her experience and I kind of followed along with her and now we're playing flag football in college together."
Training at Blueprint Academy within Kula Performance Fitness Center, Jazzy is honing her skills under the guidance of Coach Johnny Bridgewater. He remarked on her coachability, saying, "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 truly distinguishes Jazzy is her ability to transform coaching into actionable improvements on the field. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by Columbine's Head Coach Kurt Niepraschk, who believes Jazzy's influence is reshaping the landscape of women's flag football.
"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,'" Niepraschk noted.
Regardless of Olympic aspirations, Jazzy trains with a global mindset. "I departure August 14th," she said with enthusiasm. "I'm really excited; I start my new chapter."
By breaking barriers and challenging norms, Jazzy Dunaway is not just playing a sport; she is leading a movement that empowers future generations of female athletes. Her journey serves as a powerful message to every girl who dreams of making her mark in sports.
