Two FGC Flag Football Players Headed to US National Trials

LAKE CITY, Fla. – Two Florida Gateway College Flag Football players will make the trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, next week for an opportunity to represent the United States on the U.S. Women's Flag National Team.

Sophomore Alex Harris (#1) and freshman London Jenkins (#3) were selected as two of only 60 players in the country to participate in the trials.

"I am so excited and proud of Alex and London," said FGC Head Coach Ricky Hufty. "This is truly an incredible honor to be one of the 60 best flag football players in the country invited to compete for an opportunity to be on Team USA, not only this year but moving forward. You do not get to this point without an unrelenting work ethic and a willingness to be coached and grow as people and players.

"The thing I appreciate most about them is the type of competitors they are. It is a skillset and mindset that will serve them well as they move through their lives and is a big reason why an opportunity like this has presented itself."

The National Team and USA Football represent the U.S. in international competitions worldwide, including continental and world championships. They belong to the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and are recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Flag football will make its debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Both young women are exhilarated at the prospect of exhibiting their talent to earn a spot on Team USA and compete on the world stage.

"It feels good to be one of the 60 selected to try out for Team USA," first-year Timberwolf Jenkins said. "The chance to play worldwide and in such great competition would be a great opportunity."

Harris is in her second year with the Wolves and was part of the NJCAA National Championship Team last year. "It's been wonderful," she said of her experience with her teammates and Coach Hufty. "They all made me feel welcome. It's a 'together' sport; bonding is the most important thing. That's how we win."

Harris and Jenkins will travel to Charlotte on Wednesday, March 19, for check-in and orientation before performance testing begins Friday morning. Of the 60 participants, 18 will advance to the second round, where coaches will select the final 12 players for the U.S. Women's Flag National Team.

"Alex and London embody and represent everything that our program here at FGC is about and do so in the highest manner," Hufty said. "For us to have two players with opportunities to compete for a spot on the national team is exceptional and is reflective of the level of person and player that is coming here to play at FGC.

"I could not be more proud or excited for the two of them. I know they will proudly represent themselves, their families, and their FGC family."

For more information on FGC Flag Football and FGC Athletics, visit www.fgcwolves.com.