CMAC Makes History: Girls Flag Football Becomes Official Conference Sport
In a groundbreaking move that highlights the rapid growth of girls’ athletics and the evolving landscape of youth sports, the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC) has officially adopted Girls Flag Football as a sanctioned conference sport for the 2025–2026 school year.
As one of Ohio’s most visible and competitive leagues, the CMAC becomes one of the first conferences in the state to formally integrate this fast-growing sport into its official slate of offerings. What began as a pilot program fueled by student voice and community support has blossomed into a permanent part of the CMAC calendar—complete with league play, all-conference honors, and a championship pathway.
“This moment is bigger than a game,” said Josh Hardin, CMAC Commissioner and CPS District Athletic Director. “It’s about opportunity, equity, and the future. Girls Flag Football is here to stay. I want to specifically thank the Cincinnati Bengals and Taylor Conklin for their continued commitment and unwavering support of CPS and the growth of Girls Flag Football. Their partnership has been instrumental in making this a reality.”
Fueled by national momentum—including support from the NFL, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals—and driven locally by passionate athletic directors, coaches, student-athletes, and school leaders, the program has rapidly gained traction and exceeded all expectations in participation, enthusiasm, and competitive excellence.
“This is monumental,” Hardin added. “We are proud to be on the leading edge of expanding access to sports for girls, and even prouder to see how quickly our athletes, coaches, and families have embraced the game.”
With the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) now sponsoring a state tournament and moving closer to full sport adoption, CMAC’s bold leadership ensures that its schools and student-athletes will remain ahead of the curve.
What They’re Saying:
“One of the best parts of this job is watching what was once just an idea between a few student-athletes turn into real opportunity. The growth and excitement around girls flag football has been amazing to say the least—and I’m happy to have played a part in where we are now as an official CMAC sport!”
— Chloe Mayfield-Brown, Athletic Administrator, Western Hills High School
“This is actually really exciting. It feels good to know girls flag football is finally being taken seriously and getting the recognition it deserves. We’ve been putting in the work, and now we get to compete for something real. I’m proud to be a part of this program—especially for this being my first year playing!”
— Mylah Case, Student-Athlete, Woodward Career Technical High School
“This is a really exciting time for our young ladies. Not many get to be the first—and that can never be taken away. Watching our girls battle through tough conditions and still come back each week was inspiring. They created bonds, grew as students, and found motivation through this sport. Year one was special—I'm excited for what's ahead.”
— Jabreel Moton, Athletic Administrator & Coach, Woodward Career Technical High School
Congratulations to Western Hills Baseball!
Congratulations to West High Mustangs after clinching their 9th consecutive CMAC Baseball championship! The Mustangs were undefeated this season in conference games.
Western Hills takes on Moeller on May 27th at 5:00pm in the first round of the District tournament.
Aiken Boys Basketball Heads to State!
Your Falcons are heading to the OHSAA DIII State Championship Game!
Details are below:
- Game is Friday, 3/21, at 1pm against Louisville High School.
- Game will be played at University of Dayton Arena (1801 S Edwin C Moses Blvd, Dayton, OH 45417).
- Tickets are on sale NOW for $16 at OHSAA.org/tickets and are only available online.
UD Arena Details
- Gates open at 12:00pm
- UD is complete cashless (must use credit card)
- No outside food/drink will be allowed in UD Arena
- No artificial noisemakers
- No large purses backpacks or other large bags
- No signs
- Programs: $5 at the concession stands
Keep an eye on the Aiken social media platforms as details on the Aiken Sixth Man t-shirts will be released soon!
Let’s paint UD purple and cheer on our Falcons to a state championship victory!
SWOOP!!!
Congrats to Aiken Boys Basketball on State Semifinals!
Aiken clenched the Regional championship with a 71-50 win over Trotwood-Madison on March 9th and advances to the Division III State Semifinal game on Sunday, March 16th! See the recap on their season HERE. Good luck to the Falcons!
CMAC Takeover
The Aiken Boys Basketball and Oyler Boys Basketball Program are in the midst of Historic Seasons for their respective programs. The Aiken Falcons are now 20-0 on the season and undefeated in the CMAC, never before done in the conference. Check out their story with Mike Dyer HERE.
The Oyler Madhatters, led by Coach Kevin Mitchell are geared up to win the CMAC Blue Division at 12-1 in the conference, and now 19-1 on the season. Oyler looks forward to making a run in the Division 5 OHSAA State Tournament this year. HERE
