Isabel Ibarra Becomes First Signee for the TXWES Inaugural Flag Football Team
FORT WORTH, Texas (April 24, 2025) — Isabel Ibarra, a senior at North Side High School and the Fort Worth Independent School District 2024-25 Flag Football Most Valuable Player, made history this week by becoming the first official signee for Texas Wesleyan University’s new women’s varsity flag football program. Texas Wesleyan is the first university in Texas to launch a varsity women’s flag football team that will begin competing in spring 2026.
“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,” Ibarra said during the signing ceremony at North Side High. “I am looking forward to being a Ram and am excited to be part of the team!”
Texas Wesleyan head flag football coach Keenah Lambert attended the event — a rare appearance that highlighted the significance of the occasion, as well as the university's approach to a personalized educational experience at Texas Wesleyan.
“We’re just so glad to have Isabel on our inaugural team,” Lambert said. “She was our first commit and first signee, and it makes it extra special that she’s from our community.”
North Side head flag football coach Irwin Garcia praised Ibarra for her dedication and versatility. She competed in five varsity sports during her high school career: flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and cross country.
“We’re incredibly excited for Isabel and especially proud she’ll be staying local,” Garcia said. “Texas Wesleyan is getting a great one.”
Garcia also thanked Coach Lambert for her presence. “It’s very rare for a college head coach to attend a high school signing, and we’re grateful she came out to support Isabel and her family in such a meaningful way.”
Ibarra plans to major in biology at Texas Wesleyan and pursue a career in healthcare, continuing her commitment to helping others. Her signing not only marks a personal achievement but also represents a milestone for women’s athletics in Fort Worth, as she paves the way for future flag football athletes in the region.
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