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NC native and 2028 Olympic hopeful chats finding her footing in flag football.
Flag football is going global, as the sport was recently approved to make its inaugural appearance at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA. Before the ultimate competition begins, the men’s and women’s USA Football National Teams are set to jet to Finland for the Flag Football World Championships this August, with the women’s team also slated to play the field at The World Games in China in 2025.
And the connection is closer to home than you’d think. Charlotte native and USA Football wide receiver Madison Fulford hopes to achieve Olympic glory come 2028. Ahead of her Games debut (🤞), we chatted with No. 5 about the growth of the game and her passion to play. Down, set, hut!
School us on your foray into flag football.
I’ve been serving in the military for the last six years in San Antonio, but I’m transitioning out this summer. In January 2022, I was playing flag [football] on base, and one of my club team coaches tapped me to join an all-girls team. I showed up, and there were hundreds of girls playing—it was awesome. That October, the USA Football scouts saw me playing a tournament and invited me to compete for a spot on the team.
How did it feel to be tapped by USA Football?
I thought, ‘Hell, yeah—absolutely.’ Since then, I’ve been completely obsessed.
The sport has recently skyrocketed in popularity with young girls—especially locally. What led to the fanfare?
USA Football has been pushing [it] on social media—and they’ve done a fantastic job at getting our name out there. I want to be part of the push nationally for high-schoolers. It’s great that nine states are doing it, but we should be at 50. For young girls to see other women competing at this elite level—it’s a reflection for them and it gives them something to strive toward.
What was your reaction to the Olympic debut?
Incredibly cool! I immediately counted the years to see if it would be realistic for me to compete. I thought about the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team roster, plus people like LeBron James and Tom Brady. I know it’s doable for me.
How have you managed the challenges of high-pressure athletic performances?
That’s what I’m going through right now. The performance I had in Charlotte at the game against Mexico was historic, and I didn’t realize it until the game was over. I haven’t been able to obtain that insane adrenaline rush since then—and I’ve had to take breaks to fight that mental battle and to process burnout.
Any words of encouragement to play by?
The motto of our team right now is: ‘It’s not about me; it’s about we.’ You know, what is our team going to do?
What’s coming down the field for you next?
This year, we have a third training camp before we fly to Finland for the Flag Football World Championship in August. Once I’m done with my military service, I’m planning to move to Austin and transition to coach kids as part of Mad Skills, my traveling training camp business. I love seeing the girls loosen up and have fun.
*Answers lightly edited for length and clarity.
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