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In a groundbreaking moment for both Fort Worth and women’s athletics, Isabel Ibarro, the 2024-25 Flag Football Most Valuable Player for the Fort Worth Independent School District, made history this week as the first signee for Texas Wesleyan University’s new women’s varsity flag football program. The university, marking its place as the first in Texas to offer this sport at the varsity level, will debut the team in the spring of 2026, setting the stage for a new chapter in collegiate athletics.
The signing ceremony at North Side High School, where Ibarro currently attends, was a momentous occasion. friends, coaches, and community members were all in attendance.
“It’s such a special experience to be part of the first varsity flag football team at Texas Wesleyan and in the state of Texas,” Ibarro says. “I am looking forward to being a Ram and am excited to be part of the team!”
Coach Keenah Lambert, who will lead the inaugural team, attended the event, underscoring the significance of Ibarro’s commitment.
“We’re just so glad to have Isabel on our inaugural team. She was our first commit and first signee, and it makes it extra special that she’s from our community,” Lambert said.
Ibarro’s journey to Texas Wesleyan is not just about athletic excellence; it’s a testament to her versatility and dedication. The senior has played five varsity sports at North Side High School — flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and cross country. Her head coach, Irwin Garcia, expressed immense pride in her achievements. “We’re incredibly excited for Isabel and especially proud she’ll be staying local,” he said. “Texas Wesleyan is getting a great one.”
For Ibarro, this signing represents not only her future at Texas Wesleyan but also a significant milestone for women’s athletics in Fort Worth. In addition to her athletic career, Ibarro plans to major in biology, aiming for a healthcare career — a field she is passionate about and determined to make an impact in.
Ibarro’s signing is part of a broader initiative that places Texas Wesleyan at the forefront of women’s flag football. The university’s announcement in January marked the first varsity women’s flag football team in Texas, joining the growing number of colleges nationwide investing in the sport. Texas Wesleyan, along with 25 other schools in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), will offer flag football as a scholarship sport, beginning in the spring of 2026.
