June 25th Skills & Games Clinic @ St. Josephs College!
At Long Island Rush, we meet athletes where they are — and help them rise to where they want to be. From first-time players to future collegiate stars, our program is built on development, encouragement, and belief. No matter your level, there's a place for you to learn, compete, and thrive in the Rush family.
Who we are and where we come from.
One of the most exciting developments in Long Island sports has been the rapid rise of girls' high school flag football. Spurred by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and supported by the New York Jets and Nike, pilot programs began launching in 2022 to introduce varsity-level girls flag football across the state.
Long Island was at the forefront of this movement. Dozens of schools across Nassau and Suffolk counties quickly adopted the sport, and by 2024, girls varsity flag football had grown into one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the region. The sport has opened new opportunities for female athletes, some of whom have gone on to compete in national showcases and even earn college scholarships as the NCAA eyes future sanctioning.
In 2023, Bethpage High School introduced its first-ever Girls Varsity Flag Football team, with Coach Shanahan (Son of Dave Shanahan) at the helm. Despite being a newly formed team, they demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, securing a spot in the playoffs during their inaugural season. Coach Shanahan expressed immense pride in the team's accomplishments, highlighting their enthusiasm, coachability, and eagerness to learn. The Golden Eagles made the playoffs In their first year
In the 2024-2025 school year, the Elwood Union Free School District appointed Craig Ash, a certified New York State Physical Education teacher. Prior to this role, Ash contributed to the school's athletic programs as the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball coach. His background includes a robust history in athletics, notably as a two-year varsity starter in football at Sachem High School East, where he played multiple positions and earned the MVP award for special teams in the 2018 season. Ash's dedication to sports and education underscores his commitment to fostering athletic excellence and personal growth among student athletes across long Island.
The Long Island Rush was founded with a clear mission: to advance and support girls' flag football in the region. Recognizing the sport's growing popularity and the need for dedicated platforms for female athletes, we established a program focused on skill development, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Our unwavering commitment to our players is evident in the comprehensive training programs we offer, designed to prepare them for competitive play and future opportunities in the sport. We take pride in fostering an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field, contributing to the broader movement of empowering young women through sports.
