As Homecoming week rolls around at Edina High School, the halls buzz with chatter about the game, attire, and all the exciting activities. The girls’ flag football tournament, hosted annually by the Student Council, has been known as Powderpuff since its conception. The Student Council’s flag football committee recently spearheaded the effort to change its name to “Hornet Bowl.”
Powderpuff is defined as “of, relating to, or being a traditionally male activity or event done or played by women,” by Merriam-Webster. The term itself comes from powder puffs, which are soft materials used to apply powder to the face.
Some have called the origins of the word problematic, with roots in sexism regarding women’s athletics. “It used to be something used by men to make fun of women playing the sport,” junior and Student Council member Kaylee Idrogo-Lam said. While it’s unknown when powderpuff football was established as a nationwide Homecoming tradition, the activity and the name gained traction in the early 1900s within colleges and universities, and eventually landed at EHS.
“After complaints from the student body, we realized that it’s important to input everyone’s opinions and we wanted to make it a name not linked with stereotypes. We decided to change it to a name with more Edina pride, naming it ‘Hornet Bowl’ after the Super Bowl,” Idrogo-Lam continued.
“I think the name change will lead to a more inclusive idea surrounding this historically sexist activity,” sophomore and Student Council member Carter Seifert said.
For many, the flag football tournament is an opportunity to convene and build community. “I’m a really competitive person, so it’s fun, and also a way for me and my friends to bond,” senior Vivian Kershner said. Kershner participated with her Homecoming group in her sophomore and junior years, placing second both times. “We’re hoping that this is our year. I just think Homecoming week, in general, is great. [Hornet Bowl] is usually at the beginning and it’s a fun way to start off and then go to Tacos and Tunes afterward together,” Kershner said.
Student Council hopes that the additional clarity with the new name will alert and encourage those unfamiliar with Powderpuff, to sign up with the knowledge that the event is flag football. “For girls, it gives a unique experience of playing football, which isn’t easily accessible here…Everyone gets to showcase their athletic abilities, and I’m glad we continue to do this tradition,” Idrogo-Lam said.
