International Scholarships Fueling Flag Football Dreams

Flag football has seen explosive growth in recent years—and at the forefront of this movement are trailblazing women athletes from around the world. From its debut as a sanctioned varsity high school sport in 2014 to its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, flag football is breaking new ground for female athletes.

To support this movement, the NFL, in collaboration with the RCX Sports Foundation, introduced the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program in 2023. These scholarships enable international recipients to attend a U.S.-based college or university that offers women’s flag football as a varsity sport.

“This scholarship program is about more than just sports,” says Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “It’s about providing women access to resources that assist in attaining a world-class education while competing as student-athletes at the collegiate level in the sport of their choice.”

Meet the Pioneers: Tatiana Dos Santos and Shanya Murape

We had the opportunity to sit down with Tatiana Dos Santos from Panama and Shanya Murape from Canada at the NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota to learn more about their journeys. Both young women are among the first recipients of this prestigious scholarship, and their stories were featured in interviews by both the NFL and ESPN during the event. They are paving the way for future international players and proving that flag football can open doors to new opportunities.

Tatiana, a wide receiver at Ottawa University, recalls the moment she learned about the scholarship: “I was amazed when I found out that girls could go to college and play football in the U.S. Getting that scholarship was everything to me. It was my ticket to a dream I didn’t know was possible.”

Shanya explained that she looked extensively for opportunities but found that many scholarships were limited to U.S. citizens or required attendance at a Canadian university. Her persistence paid off when she discovered the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program. “It was exactly what I was searching for, but didn’t think existed,” she says. “I hope more girls can find their own path through programs like this.”

Financial Impact and Family Support

For both Tatiana and Shanya, the scholarship not only represented a chance to pursue their athletic dreams but also a tremendous relief for their families.

“School expenses are just so high, especially for an international student,” Tatiana explains. “When I got the scholarship, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders. My dad was so happy.”

Shanya, the eldest in her family, was equally motivated by the desire to ease the financial burden on her parents. “The cost of attending school in the U.S. was really daunting, especially with the exchange rate,” she says. “This scholarship meant my parents wouldn’t have to worry as much, and my younger siblings wouldn’t miss out on anything because of me.”

The Challenge and the Reward

Both athletes acknowledge the challenges of balancing academics and athletics at the collegiate level, but they embrace the competitive spirit that keeps them pushing forward.

“Flag football in the U.S. is incredibly competitive, and I love it,” says Tatiana. “If you’re someone who thrives on competition, this is the place to be. It can be tiring, balancing school and sports, but being part of a community of strong, driven women makes it all worth it.”

Shanya echoes this sentiment, adding that the opportunity to learn from her teammates has been invaluable. “I’m constantly picking up new techniques and strategies from them. Not only am I improving my skills, but I’m also learning different ways to play the game. I love that aspect of being here.”

Building a Sisterhood

Beyond the competition and the challenges, both Tatiana and Shanya have found something even more profound in their collegiate flag football experience: a sisterhood.

“You get to be a family,” Tatiana says. “Our coach made us jerseys that say ‘Sisterhood’ on the back, and it really feels like that. We support each other on and off the field.”

Shanya adds, “I can always go to my teammates. I love these girls. Seeing how flag football is taking off and becoming a women’s sport—it’s empowering. We’re showing that we can do anything the guys can do, and we’re earning respect on the field.”

A Bright Future Ahead

The International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program is more than just a financial award; it’s a statement about the future of women’s sports. As Tatiana, Shanya, and future scholarship recipients take the field, they are not just playing a game—they are breaking barriers, setting new standards, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes around the world.

“I didn’t know this opportunity existed,” Tatiana reflects, “but now that I’m here, I want to help others realize that they can do this too. Flag football is growing, and we’re part of something special.”

Shanya adds, “This scholarship has changed my life. I’m living out my dream, and I want other girls to know that they can too. If you have the passion and the drive, the opportunities are out there—you just have to go for them.”

The NFL and RCX Sports Foundation are proud to champion the growth of women’s flag football and provide life-changing opportunities for young women around the world. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit RCX Sports Foundation.