Former Novi Standout Kerri McMahan Selected to Initial Team USA Flag Football Team

The multi-sport athlete will compete for a spot on the U.S. Women's National Team headed to the IFAF Flag Football World Championship.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:52am

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Kerri McMahan, a former standout athlete from Novi, Michigan, has been named to the initial 24-person roster for the 2026 U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team. McMahan, who played basketball in college, has transitioned to a successful career in women's tackle football with the St. Louis Slam, leading the league in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns in 2025. She will now compete for one of the 12 spots on the final Team USA roster that will represent the country at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Why it matters

McMahan's selection to the initial Team USA flag football roster is a testament to her athletic versatility and passion for the sport. As women's flag football continues to grow in popularity, her journey from high school basketball star to professional tackle football player to national team hopeful highlights the expanding opportunities for female athletes in American football.

The details

After a successful high school career in Novi, where she excelled in multiple sports including basketball, cross country, and track, McMahan went on to play college basketball at Akron and Saint Louis University. Following her graduation, she discovered women's tackle football and has played the last three seasons with the St. Louis Slam, leading the league in several receiving categories in 2025. Her standout performances caught the eye of the U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team coaching staff, who selected her to the initial 24-player roster.

  • Trials for the U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team were held several weeks ago.
  • The initial 24-player roster was announced in early April 2026.
  • The first training camp for the national team will take place in April 2026.
  • The IFAF Flag Football World Championship will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany in the summer of 2026.

The players

Kerri McMahan

A former multi-sport athlete from Novi, Michigan who has transitioned to a successful career in women's tackle football with the St. Louis Slam, leading the league in receiving in 2025. She has now been selected to the initial 24-player roster for the 2026 U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team.

Saaid Mortazavi

The head coach of the U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team, who selected McMahan to the initial roster after being impressed by her performance at the national team trials.

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What they’re saying

“When I got the phone call (from head coach Saaid Mortazavi) and he told me I was selected. it was definitely emotional. I'm like, 'Wow, I'm going o get to train for a USA national team. I knew i was a good athlete growing up — a good basketball player, track, cross country — but I never envisioned I'd be wearing the red, white and blue.”

— Kerri McMahan

“Kerri consistently showed big play ability during USA Football's National Team Trials. Beyond the highlight plays, I was impressed by her toughness and instincts. She earned her spot on the initial roster, and I'm excited to see what she can bring to our first training camp in April.”

— Saaid Mortazavi, Head Coach, U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team

What’s next

Training camps in April and May will determine which six players are cut from the initial 24-player roster, with a final camp in June narrowing the team down to the 12-person final roster that will represent the U.S. at the IFAF Flag Football World Championship.

The takeaway

Kerri McMahan's journey from high school basketball standout to professional tackle football player to now earning a spot on the U.S. Women's National Flag Football Team showcases the growing opportunities for female athletes in American football. Her selection highlights the sport's expanding appeal and the athletic versatility of players like McMahan who are helping to drive its growth.