COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. - Ursinus College has announced it will add women's flag football as a new varsity sport, bringing one of the fastest-growing sports to its athletic offerings.
 
 
The college has launched a search to find an inaugural leader for the program, with plans to bring in the first class of student athletes in fall 2027. The team will compete in scrimmages ahead of a full launch into competitive action in the 2028-2029 school year. The program's launch comes before the sport debuts for both women and men at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
 
 
In January 2026, the NCAA officially added flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women Program, paving the way for official NCAA championship status by 2028. Nearly 400 colleges currently offer the sport, including fellow Centennial Conference peer Gettysburg College.
 
 
"Women's flag football is experiencing remarkable momentum at every level, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to Ursinus," said Al Reiser, director of athletics at Ursinus College. "As the sport continues to grow nationally and here in Pennsylvania, adding flag football allows us to welcome a new generation of student athletes while providing them with the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. We look forward to building this program thoughtfully and establishing a strong foundation for its future success."
 
 
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association approved girls' flag football as a high school sport starting last school year and hosted its first-ever state championship in May. Youth participation continues to soar as well, thanks to local leagues supported by the state's NFL teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
 
 
For prospective students and families interested in women's flag football at Ursinus, please fill out this interest form. For prospective donors and alumni seeking to learn more, please contact Michelle Yurko, vice president for external relations and strategic initiatives at myurko@ursinus.edu. Current students interested in flag football should reach out to Athletic Director Al Reiser areiser@ursinus.edu.