Former Gettysburg two-sport standout Kendra Meredith ’18 reflects on her journey to Team USA, preparing for the world championships, and the growing opportunities for women in flag football at her alma mater.
A former two-sport standout at Gettysburg College, Kendra Meredith ’18 will represent the United States at the 2026 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football World Championship, held Aug. 13–16 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Selected as a defensive back and rusher for the 12-player U.S. Women’s National Team, she will help the three-time defending world champions pursue another gold medal on the sport’s biggest international stage.
Meredith’s journey to the national team is rooted in her experiences as a student-athlete in both basketball and track and field at Gettysburg. On the court, she was a quick and dynamic guard, tallying 249 assists in two seasons and leading the Bullets to the 2018 Centennial Conference championship. In track, she won the conference title in the long jump as a senior and ranked among the outdoor program’s all-time leaders in the long jump, triple jump, and 100-meter dash. Away from the field, Meredith was a member of Chi Omega sorority; majored in women, gender, and sexuality studies; and minored in educational studies.
The adaptability and discipline Meredith developed at Gettysburg have continued to shape her life beyond campus. After beginning her career in law enforcement, she now works as part of the Federal Employee Program Special Investigation Unit with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she focuses on investigating potential fraud, waste, and abuse.
At the same time, the speed, footwork, coordination, and competitive drive she developed through basketball and track have helped her rise rapidly in flag football—from a recreational league near her Maryland home to the Team USA roster.
Meredith recently reflected on that journey, the demands of international competition, and her excitement for the future of women’s flag football at Gettysburg.
How did you get involved with flag football?
“I first got involved in flag football through a local league near my home in Rockville, Maryland, called RASL. My best friend’s brother introduced us to it, and from there everything snowballed. I kept meeting new people, getting invited to play on different teams, and jumping into tournaments whenever I could. One opportunity led to the next, and eventually that path brought me all the way to playing for the USA national team.”
What has the training and competition been like at this level of flag football?
“Training and competition at this level are on a completely different scale. Everyone is fast, everyone is elite, and everyone can do just about everything you’d expect from a top-tier football player. The standard is high across the board: precise route running, creating separation, locking down on defense, and playing with real discipline. IQ and route anticipation become huge factors because the margin for error is so small. Every rep feels like a test, and every matchup pushes you to level up.”
How did you feel about making the final roster for the world championship?
“It honestly didn’t fully sink in until we played Canada in Los Angeles during our Summer Series event in June. That’s when it hit me that this was real. I still get butterflies every time I step on the field or go to practice with Team USA. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I feel truly honored to be part of such a talented, well-rounded, elite group of athletes that I get to call my sisters.”
What will it take for Team USA to bring home the gold once again?
“Team USA bringing home gold again is going to come down to a few core things, of which we’ve been building toward every single camp and every single rep. If we stay disciplined, trust our preparation, and play with the same intensity and unity we’ve developed over the last few months, we absolutely have what it takes to bring home gold.”
Did your background as a student-athlete at Gettysburg help prepare you for this opportunity?
“Absolutely! My background as a student-athlete has helped me a ton. Growing up playing basketball and running track gave me skills that translate perfectly to flag football: change of direction, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and the ability to be quick, explosive, and fast! Those foundations are a big reason I’ve been able to compete at this level.”
How excited are you for Gettysburg to offer flag football as a varsity sport?
“I think it’s incredible that Gettysburg is officially offering flag football as a varsity sport. I’ll admit I’m a little jealous it wasn’t around when I was there, but I’m genuinely so excited for the athletes who get to take advantage of this opportunity. It’s a huge step forward for the sport, and I can’t wait to watch the program grow, shine, and accomplish big things.”
What advice do you have for anyone looking to play flag football at Gettysburg?
“My biggest advice is to try something new! You’ll never know if you love it until you give it a shot. Starting a new sport can feel overwhelming or even intimidating, but flag football is such a competitive, fast-paced, and genuinely exciting game. If you have even the slightest interest, I’d absolutely recommend giving it a chance. You might surprise yourself with how quickly you pick it up and how much you enjoy being part of it.”
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By Corey Jewart
Photos by Kelli Tolar/USA Football and David Sinclair Photography
Posted: 08/10/26