St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, announced that it will elevate women's flag football and women's triathlon to varsity status, bringing the total number of athletic teams to 37.
A new chapter for women's athletics at St. Lawrence
Women's triathlon is slated to begin competition in the fall of 2027, while women's flag football will make its varsity debut in the spring of 2028. Both programs will join the university's existing slate of 35 teams.
The initiatives fall under the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program, which has seen rapid adoption across the country. The league counted 41 sponsoring institutions for women's triathlon during the 2025–26 academic year, and more than 43,000 high‑school girls now compete in flag football nationwide.
‘This addition underscores our commitment to providing competitive pathways for women who want to lead through athletics,’ said Kate Morris, director of athletics at St. Lawrence.
‘We’re excited to recruit coaches and student‑athletes who share our vision of a vibrant, inclusive program,’ noted Franco Bari, who will oversee the new triathlon team.
New York launched girls’ flag football in 2022 and elevated it to a state‑championship sport a year later, reflecting the sport’s surge in popularity. The seven‑on‑seven format features four 12‑minute quarters and mirrors the structure adopted by collegiate programs.
Recruitment for coaching staff and prospective student‑athletes will commence in the fall of 2026, and interested candidates can complete recruiting questionnaires for both sports through the university’s athletics portal.