HENDERSON, Nev. – Nevada State University continues to build momentum in its Women’s Flag Football program as two current student-athletes, Brooklyn Hill and Kaylie Phillips, and incoming freshman Akemi Higa, who has committed to Nevada State for Fall 2026, have been named to the USA Women’s Flag Football National Team roster.
“I am very excited and honored to make the USA team. It’s something I never thought I would be a part of. It took a lot of work and sacrifice to get here, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Hill.
In its inaugural season, Nevada State’s Scorpions have had an undefeated 13-0 season behind the leadership of Phillips and Hill. Phillips, a quarterback and defensive back, has led the offense, while Hill, a wide receiver and defensive back, has contributed on both sides of the ball.
“I am so grateful to be able to represent the United States amongst these amazing athletes. I thank God for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to prove what I can do, said Phillips.
Higa recently completed a record-setting senior season at Desert Oasis High School, where she was named a first-team All-Southern Nevada selection. She led the state with 5,764 passing yards, establishing herself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in Nevada and a rising talent in the sport.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the group that is leading this growth in the sport because it’s cool to think about how younger me would have loved to see other girls play football too, and to see how big the sport is now,” said Higa.
The selection of Phillips, Hill, and Higa highlights the rapid growth of flag football in Southern Nevada and reinforces Nevada State University’s position as a key pipeline for elite talent at the national level.
“These selections reflect the level of talent and commitment we are seeing within our program,” said Yvonne Wade, Director of Athletics at Nevada State University. “Kaylie and Brooklyn have proven themselves at the collegiate level, and Akemi represents the next generation of athletes who are elevating the game across Nevada.”
This spring marked the inaugural season for Nevada State’s Flag Football Program and the first collegiate-level flag football program to be offered within the state of Nevada, making the selection of Phillips, Hill, and Higa an early milestone for the program and a strong signal of its competitive potential.
To learn more about Nevada State University and its athletics program, please visit https://nsuscorpions.com/
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About Nevada State University
Nevada State University (Nevada State), a four-year, independently accredited public institution, is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Nevada State is located on a developing 500-acre campus in the foothills of Henderson, Nevada. The institution was established in 2002 and has recently adopted ‘University’ in its name. Nevada State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation in support of Nevada’s growing workforce needs. Nevada State offers more than 65 majors and minors and continues to expand its physical campus and reach across the state. Committed to fostering a personal learning environment, students are taught by faculty who serve as mentors and guides in classrooms with an average class size under 25 students. Nevada State serves more than 8,000 students and has over 9,500 alumni. For more information, visit https://nevadastate.edu.
