Akiko and Bailey Higa, known as Akemi, are standout student-athletes at Desert Oasis High School, channeling their talents towards the sport of Flag Football. Their commitment and impressive skills go far beyond their school environment, deserving acknowledgement beyond the local community of Las Vegas, Nevada. Their story brings motivation to young athletes and inspiration to many audiences.
Todd Thomson, Desert Oasis High School Coach, mentions, “I think Akemi is the best quarterback in the country, especially for any high school age, and then Akiko is one of the best receivers that you are ever going to see. That is a good combination to have.”
ONE DECISION, TWO FUTURES: A BOLD MOVE TO VEGAS
The Twins spent their first 13 years in Hawaii, but in July of 2022, they made a committed decision to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada. Their primary goal was to advance in their football careers, and the move not only provided them with a larger community but also increased their chances of getting noticed in the football audience.
Realizing the need to overcome the hurdles and obstacles presented by Hawaii, the twins found themselves in an area lacking a High School League or opportunities to play with other females. As a result, they often played with boys, engaging in flag or tackle football, and were on the verge of aging out of the League. This move to Las Vegas opened up new possibilities for them to pursue their football dreams in a more supportive environment.
“In Hawaii, you don’t go above 12 years of age playing football, there is no High School League. So, we had to keep flying to different states to make it to tournaments and it got expensive. We researched a lot and realized if we wanted to make it our future then we would have to move to Vegas,” Akemi Stated.
After completing their last major tournament for their age bracket, the twins recognized that advancing further in their football career would require a move to a larger community. What initially began as a joke for the girls evolved into a significant decision for the entire family. Their mother made the immediate choice to relocate to Las Vegas with the twins.
However, a temporary separation emerged as their father and brother decided to stay in Hawaii a bit longer. The family made this decision with a greater good in mind-allowing their brother to finish high school while planning for the rest of the family to join them in Las Vegas after his graduation. This planned decision aimed at balancing the family priorities to ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved.
“Originally we were going to go to Green Valley, we were trying to figure out our options for school, but we also knew what club we wanted to play with. Then we decided to come to a practice with Coach Thomson. He made it really comfortable so we packed up our stuff and went to Desert Oasis,” Akemi started and Akiko finished, “DO definitely put us in a good place, like we can successfully live here. Flag wise, academic wise, and community wise; It’s a very good community for us.”
JUST THE BEGINNING: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FLAG FOOTBALL
“We want other young girls going out to achieve their dreams to play. We want it to sort of open up in the future more, be more inclusive and become a bigger sport. While it is growing, we want it to be one of those sports that people know about.” Akemi explained.
Despite the challenges in promoting the sport before the 2028 Summer Olympics, a passion for flag football has existed since 1940. Now, even with the twins surrounded by young girls, overcoming these challenges and envisioning a future in the sport is tough. The global interest in flag football is rising, and its growing popularity promises an exciting evolution. Witnessing the intensity and evolution of flag football is a thrilling experience for many.
“You know, in the way that the college flag is growing, I can’t predict where either of them will be. Although I constantly have college coaches asking me about one or the other and, you know, they are getting a lot of attention. Hopefully in 2028, they both will be on the Olympic Team. It’s gonna be fun,” Thomson continues, “Even though they’re young, I think they set a standard for the other girls to shoot for, a standard of play. They are well beyond their years as far as their maturity on the field and, I do, I think they’re just natural leaders in that way.”
PRACTICING WITH A MIRROR: SIBLING BOND IN FLAG FOOTBALL
Akemi and Akiko have been playing Flag Football for a majority of their life and even though they had participated in different sports like gymnastics and soccer, Flag Football flipped a switch in them and created a burning passion amongst their hearts. Playing the sport you love with your sibling and sharing that bond can create such a strong relationship, and that is exactly what has occurred with the twins.
Thomson explains, “everybody always talks about that twin connection, which is absolutely true. The funny part to me is that they’re both each other’s biggest critics. We could be in practice or at a game and if one of them messes up, I don’t even have to say anything because they’re on each other. You know, they do have that crazy connection that I couldn’t even teach them as a coach, but then it’s funny to watch them critique each other and hold each other accountable.”
Akemi, the quarterback, and Akiko, the wide receiver, support each other’s athletic growth. They practice different positions that creates an on-field chemistry between the two. While maturing as sisters has its challenges, practicing at home strengthens their bond. Despite occasional disagreements, they recognize each other’s potential and hold themselves accountable. This dynamic not only helps them succeed in sports but also builds a lasting connection with lessons for life.
“One of the biggest things that drives me is I don’t want her to get better than me. I feel like that’s each other’s drive. We want to pursue our dreams together even though we’re in different positions.” Akiko stated.
TACKLING DREAMS
Akemi and Akiko were scouted and invited to participate in the Women’s Flag Football USA Trials. They were able to accomplish goals of their own and gain an experience many people dream of. Both of them were very grateful for the opportunity to experience this in their lifetime. As for Akemi, she had made the US Junior National Team, assigned as quarterback, and her team won the gold.
“It was awesome. This is our goal and we got invited to the tryouts for a team that we want to be on. So it was a proud moment, but it was stressful because you needed to do everything perfect to make sure you earned your spot on the team. 110% was the level we needed to play at.” Akemi continued, “it’s such a big opportunity that we were able to be invited to go. At the end of the day, if you made the team or not, it was such a big accomplishment.”
A handful of talented athletes attended the trials where they worked on team-bonding, drills, and most importantly scrimmaging. Being amongst strangers and trying to determine their strengths and weaknesses in just a couple of days can be difficult, especially when the range of people have different qualifications. Both of the twins knew they had to be on their A-game each second of every moment. These coaches were trying to determine who was the best for each position on the team.
“There are so many opportunities out there waiting for you. If you stop because you mess up on one thing, then who knows what the future will be like one day. At the end of the day, don’t give up. Just keep going no matter what comes your way because in the future, you’ll be able to look back and say “I’m glad that I kept going,” said Akemi.
CHALLENGES INCOMING: NAVIGATING YOUR MENTALITY
Everyone in their lifetime approaches moments when a mental block comes into play. Take for example a writer, they can get writer’s block which can sidetrack them from accomplishing their personal goals. As for the twins, both of them have received mental blocks, as athletes, numerous times.
“Being a leader on the field, of course, there are gonna be problems that come your way or there’s just those mental blocks. But having those teammates, coaches, and parents can snap you out of it. I know for me, snapping out of those mental blocks is not the easiest. So people around me influence me to be happy. You want your teammates to trust you and you want to have a bond with those teammates, coaches, parents, and siblings to help you through those stages because you probably can’t get through those alone. You need someone else’s help to help you come back to reality,” states Akemi.
Mental blocks are only one of the challenges that life can throw at you, but there can be many awaiting for you even if it’s your own mentality. Humans experience emotions unlike any other species, we are a complicated part of life. So, we learn with wisdom that mentality is the most important health in life and the most important aspect to playing a sport. Akemi had expressed the fact that she doesn’t have a horrible mindset but, in some way, a “selfish mindset.”
“If something doesn’t go the way I want it to go, then I get upset but I know I need to work on it because it is a team sport. I need to know that even if someone else messes up, there’s nothing I could have done. I did my part and I need to learn that,” Akemi explains.
“I don’t have the strongest mindset. I know there’s definitely things that I could think differently on. I tend to always think on the negative side of things, but I think if I could change that then it would not only make me a better person but a better player as well since I’m a leader on the field too,” Akiko said.
Individuals should acknowledge the fact that these are normal human emotions and mindsets. Everyone can experience these emotions and that they aren’t necessarily negative. Both twins are able to acknowledge that they need to work on a certain aspect of their life. To be able to admit to these feelings and thoughts shows how mature they are not only on the field but also as a human being.
Akemi explains, “We both have a competitive drive, which is part of our mentality, and we both have a drive to win. But there’s other things that come before winning that you have to compensate for.”
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE: BRIGHT FUTURES AHEAD
“What is important is the mental part about it. They understand the fundamentals and the game of football. They absolutely love what they do, they really do,” Desert Oasis Flag Football Coach, Rikki, acknowledges.
Both the twins have accomplished so many of their goals already, only being 15 years old, and the community is anticipating what they will do next. Akemi and Akiko have received an offer to attend Pratt Community College (for Flag Football) and contributed to helping the Desert Oasis High School Varsity Flag Football Team win the state championship. The girls made the varsity team immediately, starting off their freshman year strong and continuing to play as sophomores.
Recently, Akemi was named Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the week for her efforts. She threw 384 yards and five touchdowns against Moapa Valley, on January 2nd, to lead the team to a 41-20 win. As for Akiko, she has beat all of her own personal records from her freshman year and is working towards beating the school’s records. She personally wants to accomplish the most receiving yards overall, expressing that it’s important to her because she wants to be able to set an “unbeatable school record” and has enjoyment in calculating how many yards she has accumulated.
DOUBLE THE TALENT
Akemi and Akiko Higa made a bold move to Las Vegas in pursuit of football dreams but it has proven to be successful. Akemi made the US Junior National Team and won gold. Akiko is rising as a wide receiver star beyond her years. The challenges they face together, both on and off the field, contribute to their growth and show the importance of mental resilience and teamwork.
As these young athletes make their way through high school and beyond, their impact on the flag football community is already noticeable. Their commitment, drive, and accomplishments at such a young age set a standard for others to work towards. The future looks bright for Akemi and Akiko, and their story is an inspiration for other athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and passion. The football audience can’t wait to see the continued success and achievements both these sisters will have on their journey in the world of Flag Football.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Instagram sports accounts:
Akemi Higa: @Akemihiga_10
Akiko Higa: @Akiko.higa29
