KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Kansas City Chiefs announced the Week 3 Kansas High School Flag Football Coach of the Week recipient for the 2026 season.
Wichita Northwest High School Head Coach Brooke Collins is the Week 3 selection for her team's performance in their first official high school Flag Football season. The weekly honor spotlights a Kansas Flag Football head coach for building a winning culture and guiding student-athletes towards success on and off the field. As part of her recognition, Collins will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, a Chiefs bucket hat, a certificate of recognition and a custom game ball.
As one of the instrumental leaders of the Kansas inaugural varsity girls Flag Football season, Collins has played a significant role in building Northwest's program from the ground up and opening new doors for her players.
Flag Football is not just a chance to try a new sport, but also an opportunity to go to college. The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference continues to expand Flag Football opportunities at the collegiate level, creating additional pathways for student-athletes interested in pursuing the sport beyond high school. Men's and women's Flag Football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Kansas is one of the first midwestern states to sanction girls Flag Football as an official varsity high school sport.
Thirty-five athletes competed for 24 roster spots for the Grizzlies first varsity team this 2026-27 season. Collins has helped foster excitement for the sport of Flag Football while providing new opportunities for student-athletes and hopes to offer a junior varsity team next year to accommodate the interest.
Wichita Northwest opened its season with a 13-8 home opener win over the Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic Crusaders on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The Grizzlies then capitalized on their success with a second win over the Wichita West Pioneers, 41-20, on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Collins has focused on establishing a culture that will serve as the foundation of the program for years to come. Now that Wichita Northwest has had their first few games under the lights behind them, they are looking to build on what the rest of their season has to offer.
"Last week's win was really special for us. The girls have been working hard, and it was so exciting to see that work pay off on the field. It gave them a lot of confidence and showed them what they're capable of. We know we still have a lot of things to work on, though, our goal is just to keep getting better every week, keep learning and continue growing together as a team.
"This is honestly pretty amazing to me because I am a huge Chiefs fan! To be recognized by the Chiefs for something I love doing is really special," said Collins. "I definitely see this as an award for the whole program-not just me. It's a reflection of the girls, my assistant, Coach Cronn, who has been doing amazing things with the girls, our school, and everyone who has supported us. I am really proud and grateful to be a part of it!"
Under Collins' leadership, the Grizzlies have embraced the opportunity to compete in Kansas' first officially sanctioned season of high school girls Flag Football while helping grow participation in the sport for future generations.
Northwest returns to action this week, with home contests against the Wichita Southeast Golden Buffaloes and the Wichita Heights Falcons as the Grizzlies look to build on their strong start to the season.
Now in its 30th year, The High School Coach of the Week program is a joint initiative between the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. In addition to highlighting head coaches for their team's performance, this award honors individuals who make a difference in the lives of high school student-athletes by preparing them for life beyond football. The High School Flag Football Coach of the Week feature is in its first year in Kansas following KSHSAA sanctioning.
Uncrustables, the Official PB & J of the Kansas City Chiefs, is the presenting partner of the Chiefs Coach of the Week Program.
