Three Concordia Stingers played key roles as Canada's Senior Women's Flag Football National Team captured gold at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, defeating the United States 27-20 in the championship final.
The victory capped an undefeated run through the tournament and secured Canada's qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
Leading the way for Canada was Stingers quarterback Sara Parker, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after an outstanding performance throughout the championship. Parker threw 23 touchdown passes over the course of the tournament, helping Canada navigate its way through six victories on its path to gold.
Two of Parker's favourite targets throughout the tournament were fellow Stingers Caroline Moquin-Joubert and Laura Molimard, who each made significant contributions to Canada's championship run.
Parker and Moquin-Joubert connected for a touchdown in the gold-medal game against the United States, with Moquin-Joubert finishing the tournament with nine touchdown receptions. She saved one of her biggest performances for the preliminary round, scoring three touchdowns in Canada's 27-14 victory over Panama.
Molimard also made her mark throughout the tournament, recording three touchdown receptions as Canada went undefeated against some of the world's top flag football programs.
Canada opened the tournament with a 27-14 victory over Panama before cruising past Brazil 36-6. The Canadians then defeated fifth-ranked Japan 34-20 before continuing their run through the knockout rounds with a 40-12 win over Austria and a 20-6 victory against Mexico.
That set up a championship showdown with the United States, where Canada secured the 27-20 victory and the world championship title.
Canada's Road to Gold
- 27-14 vs. Panama
- 36-6 vs. Brazil
- 34-20 vs. Japan
- 40-12 vs. Austria
- 20-6 vs. Mexico
- 27-20 vs. United States — Gold-medal game
For Parker, Moquin-Joubert and Molimard, the world championship represents another major accomplishment on the international stage. For Canada, it marks a historic step toward the country's first Olympic appearance in flag football.
With their gold-medal victory, the Canadian women have officially punched their ticket to Los Angeles 2028.
