First Illinois Collegiate Women's Flag Football Tournament Wraps Up at Halas Hall

The event celebrates the growth of the sport for women, with support from the Chicago Bears organization.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The first-ever Illinois collegiate women's flag football tournament concluded this weekend at the Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall. Seven Illinois teams competed in the event, which is a continuation of last year's historic collegiate matchup in the state. The tournament is a celebration of how far the sport has come for women, something the Chicago Bears leadership is proud to support.

Why it matters

Girls high school flag football was officially sanctioned as a sport in Illinois in 2024, and the sport has since exploded in popularity, paving the way for more collegiate teams and opportunities for women. This tournament represents an important milestone in the growth and recognition of women's flag football in the state.

The details

The tournament featured seven Illinois collegiate teams competing for the title at the Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall. One of the competing teams, Benedictine University, is led by a female head coach, Caroline Schwartz, who is excited about the endless possibilities the sport offers. For player Leilani Gawne, a senior at Benedictine, this is a relatively new sport, but she is eager to be part of its growth and development.

  • The first-ever Illinois collegiate women's flag football tournament wrapped up on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Girls high school flag football was officially sanctioned as a sport in Illinois in 2024.

The players

Gustavo Silva

Bears Director of Football Development, who expressed the organization's pride in hosting the tournament and supporting the growth of women's sports.

Caroline Schwartz

Head coach of the Benedictine University women's flag football team, who is excited about the opportunities the sport offers.

Leilani Gawne

A senior player on the Benedictine University women's flag football team, who is new to the sport but eager to be part of its growth.

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What they’re saying

“We consider this the home of girls flag football. This is where it all started. Obviously, it comes from tremendous support, from the Bears, from the McCaskey family, who cares deeply about women's sports.”

— Gustavo Silva, Bears Director of Football Development (abc7chicago.com)

“I couldn't have dreamt it before; it's more than that. It's just that I decided to hop on and brought in some really great coaches to help me, and the girls are amazing.”

— Caroline Schwartz, Benedictine University women's flag football head coach (abc7chicago.com)

“I've always loved sports, and this is an opportunity to help a lot of women and help grow the sport. Just staying in shape, being athletic, taking care of yourself, and just knowing that it's a new sport, so we're all learning and growing together.”

— Leilani Gawne, Benedictine University women's flag football player (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Potentially, some of the players from this tournament could be competing in the 2028 Olympics and beyond, as the sport continues to grow and gain recognition.

The takeaway

This tournament represents an important milestone in the growth and recognition of women's flag football in Illinois, with the support and leadership of the Chicago Bears organization. The sport's expansion at the high school and collegiate levels is paving the way for more opportunities and visibility for female athletes.