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Tucson Salpointe Catholic flag football quarterback Isla Collins was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. In addition, Collins was named a first-team All-American by MaxPreps.
It is the first year that MaxPreps is putting together an All-American team as the sport continues to gain popularity ahead of its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

There are currently 23 states that sanction flag football at the high school level, with 17 more states in pilot programs. The AIA held its first flag football season in 2023.
Collins threw for 2,432 yards and 47 touchdowns and ran for 996 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman. She helped lead Salpointe to a 16-1 record and the 4A state championship over Mesa Eastmark in the school’s first-ever season of flag football.
Collins recently made the Under-17 national team for the United States, her second time making a national roster after doing so for the Under-15 team in 2025.

Salpointe Catholic Lancers quarterback Isla Collins (8) throws the ball as Eastmark Firebirds defender Kaiya Blackhurst (28) closes in during their 4A AIA Flag Football Championship game at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, on Nov. 22, 2025.
Joining Collins with national recognitions were recently graduated Chandler Hamilton senior Samaya Taylor-Jenkins (first-team) and Chandler senior Makayla Martinez (honorable mention).

Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Salpointe QB named MaxPreps Flag Football Freshman of the Year
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