Prattville's Lanieya Page named to NFL FLAG girls showcase

Prattville flag football player Lanieya Page was one of 32 high-school girls invited to compete in the NFL FLAG Girls High School Showcase during Pro Bowl week, selected on Jan. 5, 2026. The invite placed Page among the nation’s top high-school flag players and gave her the rare chance to take part in showcase events tied to the NFL Pro Bowl.

The NFL FLAG and HSFA roster lists Page as a Prattville player chosen for the event, a milestone that has already rippled through Autauga County. For a county where community athletics are central to local identity, Page’s selection provides visibility for girls flag football and reinforces the sport as a viable option for young athletes seeking competition, scholarship pathways, and physical activity options beyond traditional team sports.

Beyond the personal achievement, Page’s invitation highlights broader public health and equity implications. Organized youth sports contribute to regular physical activity, which supports cardiovascular health, healthy weight, and mental well-being. Flag football in particular offers a lower-contact alternative to tackle football, potentially reducing some injury risks while still promoting teamwork, conditioning, and skill development. For girls in Autauga County and similar rural communities, increased opportunities to compete at high levels can narrow gaps in sports participation that reflect longstanding disparities in resources, transportation, and coaching.

Local schools and community groups will feel the effects in several ways. Increased interest in girls flag programs could strain already tight budgets for equipment, fields, and travel, underscoring the need for equitable allocation of athletic funding. Transportation remains a practical barrier for many families across the county; when elite showcases require travel, communities must find ways to support athletes who lack reliable means to attend. The visibility from Page’s selection may also shift perceptions among younger girls considering sports and encourage more families to enroll children in organized activity, amplifying benefits for community health.

Page’s achievement is also a recruiting signal. College coaches and scouts increasingly monitor elite showcases for talent, and participation can open doors for scholarship conversations. That potential pipeline matters in Autauga County, where expanding postsecondary opportunities is a shared goal.

Our two cents? Celebrate Lanieya’s accomplishment by showing up for local girls games, asking school leaders about equitable funding, and volunteering where you can. Supporting access and safe programming for young athletes helps build healthier kids and a stronger community.