LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The popularity of flag football has skyrocketed in recent years across America, for both boys and girls.

Las Vegas has become a national hot spot for the future Olympic sport, helping Nevada rank second among U.S. states in girl’s flag football participation.

“As for examples of local trailblazers in the sport, look no further than Coronado High grad Maci Joncich and Bonanza High grad Brianna Hernandez-Silva”

The Las Vegas Valley natives were recently selected to the final roster of the U.S. Women’s National Flag Team. It’s the second time being selected for both Joncich and Hernandez-Silva.

The two join a 12-athlete roster that will compete against countries from around the globe in August at the world championships in Chengdu, China, and in September at the continental championships in Panama City, Panama.

The Team USA women will aim for their fourth straight world title after beating Mexico in the gold medal matchup 31-18 in last summer’s world championships in Finland.

“Wearing USA across your chest, there’s nothing like it, so it feels great,” Joncich told Channel 13’s Nick Walters. “We’ve been able to develop a lot of friendships, learned a lot about each other and about the game itself.”