Tumwater High School will field a flag football team for the first time in the 2026-27 school year.

Tumwater Athletics announced the new sport on Friday, June 26, with additional details to follow. The addition makes the Thunderbirds one of a growing number of Washington schools to pick up the sport after the WIAA sanctioned girls flag football in April 2025, the first new sport the association had added since girls bowling in 1999.

In its inaugural 2025-26 winter season, 94 schools across Washington fielded varsity girls flag football teams. The first official state championship was held February 13-14 at Federal Way Memorial Stadium

Nearby Capital High School competed in the pre-sanctioning unofficial state title game, falling to Woodinville.

The NCAA voted in May to recommend all three divisions add a national flag football championship as soon as spring 2028.

Tumwater Athletics has not confirmed roster details, named a head coach, or released tryout dates. The school said more information is forthcoming.