Ki’Lolo Westerlund: A Trailblazer in Women’s Flag Football
A Star on the Screen and the Field
Seventeen-year-old Ki’Lolo Westerlund made headlines as the leading figure in an NFL Flag 50 commercial during Super Bowl LIX, showcasing her exceptional skills in flag football alongside iconic NFL players including Myles Garrett and Justin Jefferson. Despite the commercial airing to a global audience, she experienced it for the first time live at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Westerlund, a talented receiver and defensive back at Liberty High School in Las Vegas, has an impressive resume that includes contributing to the U.S. Girls’ Junior National Team, where she secured gold medals in the 15U and 17U categories at USA Football’s Junior International Cup from 2022 to 2024. Last year, she made history by becoming the first female athlete to receive a Division I flag football scholarship.
Flag Football’s Rising Popularity
At the heart of the NFL Flag 50 campaign is the movement to establish girls’ flag football as a sanctioned varsity sport in all 50 states. Currently, only 14 states have approved it, with Louisiana being the latest to offer conditional approval. The NFL has long supported youth football initiatives, expanding opportunities for participants of all genders since the 1990s.
Flag football’s growing appeal is evidenced by its upcoming debut as an Olympic sport in a five-on-five format during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The league has recognized this surge in interest, recently transforming the Pro Bowl format to flag football in 2023.
Westerlund’s Journey into Flag Football
Westerlund’s venture into flag football began out of boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she transitioned from volleyball and rugby to try out for the Apex Predators, a youth club in Las Vegas. Initially struggling, she joined forces with future national team members and soon found her footing, even advocating for the sport against gender biases.
Her high school, Liberty High, embraced flag football in 2021, aligning perfectly with her aspirations as she attempted to join the Junior National Team. Notably, she had role models in Ashlea Klam and Maci Joncich, who inspired her to aim higher.
A Bright Future Ahead
As she transitions to college, Westerlund chooses Alabama State University not only for its academic offerings in fire science but also for the opportunity to shape a fledgling women’s flag football program. Coach Jennifer Constuble recognized her potential, stating, “It was honestly a no-brainer” when deciding to award her the scholarship. Westerlund embodies the qualities of a role model—her work ethic, leadership, and passion for the sport make her a true ambassador for emerging female athletes.
Looking to the future, Westerlund is poised to participate in the trials for the 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team and aims for the Olympics. As she puts it, “My goal is just to stay dedicated, stay consistent and inspire others.” With a commitment to both her sporting and professional aspirations in firefighting, she seeks to continue expanding the presence of women in football.
The Growth of Women’s Flag Football
Westerlund’s journey is indicative of a broader trend. Flag football has gained traction as a collegiate sport across various divisions, with more than 1.6 million children participating in flag football as of 2023. The female demographic alone saw a 44% increase, signaling a significant cultural shift in the acceptance of women in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Coach Constuble’s experiences reflect this change, highlighting that many young women now wish to engage actively in the sport. “Ninety percent of them have never played flag football. They just genuinely have a love for football and knew that they wanted to be a part of something special,” she noted.
