Breaking Barriers: Amber Clark’s Journey to Team USA and the Future of Women’s Flag Football

In the ever-evolving world of flag football, few names stand out as prominently as Amber Clark. A former tackle football player, a Team USA athlete, and now a world champion, Clark's journey is one of perseverance, adaptability, and undeniable passion for the sport. Her story, filled with determination and resilience, serves as an inspiration for young athletes, especially young girls who aspire to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

From Tackle to Flag: A Leap of Faith

Amber Clark's football journey started on the tackle field. Like many young female athletes interested in football, she faced challenges and limited opportunities. However, her love for the game never wavered. In 2016, she joined a team where she quickly became a standout defensive back, known for her sharp instincts and unshakable determination. For years, Clark was a shutdown corner, dominating defensively and earning a reputation as a fierce competitor.

Everything changed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted tackle football seasons. With leagues shutting down and uncertainty looming, Clark found herself at a crossroads. That was when Michelle Angel and Teshay Winfrey, two key players in the flag football world, invited her to try out for a Dallas-based flag football team. Though she had never played flag before, Clark decided to give it a shot.

“I figured I’d try it out,” she recalls. “I had been playing tackle for so long, and this was a new challenge. Why not?”

Little did she know that this decision would alter the course of her football career forever.

The Road to Team USA: Overcoming Setbacks

Clark’s transition from tackle to flag football wasn’t seamless. Though she had the athleticism and football IQ, flag football required a different skill set—one that took time to refine. Nevertheless, she pushed herself, working tirelessly to master the nuances of the game.

In 2021, she attended an open tryout for Team USA in Indianapolis. The process was rigorous: combine drills, scrimmages, and a competitive tournament that would determine who made the cut. Despite her best efforts, she didn’t make the team that year. The rejection was devastating.

“I bawled my eyes out,” Clark admits. “It felt like I had lost my best friend.”

Instead of giving up, she channeled that disappointment into motivation. She worked harder, refined her game, and set her sights on the next tryout. In 2022, she received an invitation again but suffered an MCL sprain just weeks before the event. Though she made it as an alternate, the injury was another setback.

But Clark refused to be deterred. She remained focused, and in 2023, she finally secured a spot on Team USA. This triumph was made even sweeter by the fact that the training camp was held in her hometown, allowing her parents to witness the culmination of her hard work and perseverance.

A Championship Moment to Remember

Clark’s most defining moment came during the 2023 IFAF Americas Championship against Mexico. With Team USA leading by just five points and time winding down, Mexico had possession of the ball. If they scored, they would win the game. The pressure was immense.

Then, the moment happened.

As Team Mexico’s quarterback released the ball, Clark read the play perfectly, intercepted the pass, and took off toward the end zone. The stadium erupted as she sprinted past defenders, sealing the victory for Team USA. It was a surreal moment—one that validated years of hard work, sacrifices, and setbacks.

“I still can’t believe it,” she says. “It was like everything went silent for a moment, and then the roar of the crowd hit me all at once.”

The Rise of Women’s Flag Football

Women’s flag football is gaining traction like never before. With the sport set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, opportunities for female athletes are expanding rapidly. Clark is determined to be part of that historic moment.

“This is the biggest stage flag football has ever been on,” she says. “And I want to be there.”

Clark’s journey also highlights the growing number of collegiate opportunities for young women in flag football. As the head coach for the University of Saint Mary Flag Football team, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of athletes, ensuring they have the resources and support that she didn’t have growing up.

Advice for Young Athletes and Parents

For young girls aspiring to play football, Clark’s message is simple: embrace every opportunity.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new,” she advises. “I didn’t think flag football would be my thing, but now I can’t imagine my life without it.”

To parents, she emphasizes the importance of support.

“Support your kids in the way they need it, not the way you think they need it,” she says. “Ask them what they need from you—whether it’s encouragement, a push, or just knowing you’re there for them.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Flag Football

Clark’s ultimate goal? To see flag football thrive at every level—from youth leagues to professional opportunities. With the NFL and other organizations beginning to invest in women’s flag football, the future is brighter than ever.

She also hopes to continue breaking barriers, possibly serving on the International Olympic Committee to further advocate for women’s football worldwide.

“Football has given me so much,” she says. “I want to give back and make sure that the next generation has even more opportunities than I did.”

Final Thoughts

Amber Clark’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and passion. From tackling setbacks to intercepting game-winning passes, she embodies the spirit of perseverance. As women’s flag football continues to grow, athletes like Clark are paving the way for a new era—one where young girls don’t just dream of playing football; they make it a reality.

With the Olympics on the horizon and opportunities expanding daily, one thing is certain: the future of flag football is in good hands.

Read more about Amber Clark here.