Flag football is surging across the United States, with nearly half a million women now competing in NFL FLAG leagues and the sport edging closer to Olympic recognition.
In a historic move for the USA South conference, Meredith College announced that it will field a varsity flag football squad for the upcoming season, becoming the first member institution to add the sport to its athletic portfolio.
At the helm of this pioneering effort is Bryonne Herring, who has been named the inaugural head coach of the program, bringing her playing experience and coaching vision to a new competitive arena.
A New Era for Women’s Sports
The team, dubbed the Avenging Angels, will step onto the field for its first collegiate matches this fall, marking a tangible step toward institutionalizing the sport at the university level.
Herring’s appointment reflects a broader push to expand opportunities for female athletes, a trend underscored by the sport’s rapid growth and its potential debut at the 2028 Olympic Games.