Molloy University in Rockville Centre, New York, announced that it will add a women's flag football program for the 2027‑28 academic year, marking the school's first varsity team in the emerging sport.
Practices are slated to begin in the fall of 2027, with the inaugural season kicking off in the spring, and the university plans to start recruiting student‑athletes immediately.
A Growing Sport Across the Nation
The move follows a nationwide surge in flag football participation, especially among youth ages six to seventeen, which has risen by 14 percent between 2019 and 2024 according to recent data.
Traditional tackle football, baseball, soccer and basketball have all seen modest declines in youth involvement during the same period, underscoring the shifting preferences of young athletes.
Michael Grasso, Molloy's athletic director, said he is excited to provide a new pathway for female athletes and to align the university with the sport's rapid expansion.
Janine Biscari, vice president for student affairs, emphasized that the program reflects the school's commitment to expanding opportunities for women while fostering leadership, teamwork and competitive excellence.
The NCAA has recommended establishing a national flag football championship for 2028, and the sport is slated to make its Olympic debut the same year, adding further visibility to collegiate programs.
Molloy University, a private institution with a longstanding athletic tradition, will join a growing list of schools investing in flag football as both a club and varsity offering.