Willowbrook flag football coaches continue to expand the sport: Karos and Hildreth chosen as coaches for USA Football’s Select Bowl this June

When Willowbrook coaches Rachel Karos and Nick Hildreth (pictured above) began their journey with flag football in 2022, they never imaged how far the path would take them, the doors it would open and the experiences it would provide – for them and their athletes.

Since that time, they guided the inaugural Willowbrook Flag Football Team to become the first Chicago Bears Girls Flag Football State Champions in 2022 and followed it up with a regional title in Ohio. In 2023, the team placed third at the state championship, solidifying the Warriors as a top-tier program. But Karos and Hildreth have done more than just win – they’ve been true pioneers for the sport, giving back and helping to enhance flag football throughout Illinois, the U.S. and internationally.

And this June, Karos and Hildreth will again be at the forefront of developing and expanding the future of flag football. They have been chosen as coaches for USA Football’s Select Bowl. That event will take place from June 18 to 21 in Los Angeles. According to https://usafootball.com/national-team/select-bowl, this event “brings together the top rising flag athletes from across the country to train and develop their skills for the next level of national competition in front of U.S. National Team Scouts.”

“It has been quite a wild ride, with every year bringing unique opportunities we never thought would come along,” Hildreth said. “To watch the sport grow from what we started in our school and community into what it is now and what it continues to become is an honor. To be part of creating opportunities for women and girls that are similar to what tackle football players have is just tremendous.”

During the Select Bowl, Karos will work with the 14U Girls Team, and Hildreth will work with the 12U Girls Team. Players will participate in training camp-style practices, receive evaluation and instruction, work with professional staff and position experts, and take on tournament-style competition.

Karos said she and Hildreth look forward to collaborating with and learning from elite-level athletes and coaches to increase their knowledge and skills, as the game of flag football continues to change and evolve.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this process and to be able to provide these athletic and academic opportunities for students who wouldn’t have them otherwise,” Karos said. “This is truly the best team sport I’ve participated in and coached, and I want to keep removing barriers to ensure it remains inclusive for all students to have this experience.”