A New Era for Women’s Sports at Roanoke College
Roanoke College announced that it will add a varsity women’s flag football team for the spring 2028 semester, marking the program’s 15th women’s varsity sport and the first time the Maroons will field a flag football squad.
The move follows a wave of similar initiatives across the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, where six member institutions plan to sponsor women’s flag football by spring 2028, prompting the college to align its athletic strategy with broader conference trends.
Associate Athletic Director Daniel Smith emphasized that the new team is designed to give female student‑athletes an additional competitive outlet while challenging traditional gender expectations in collegiate athletics.
Recruiting for a head coach is underway, with the college targeting a candidate who possesses extensive flag football playing experience and a proven record in developing strategic game plans. Officials expect to finalize the hire within the coming month.
The program aims to sign at least twelve new student‑athletes by fall 2027, ensuring a full roster ahead of the inaugural spring 2028 season. The team will be based in Roanoke, Virginia, leveraging the campus’s facilities and local community support.
Curtis Campbell, a long‑standing member of the college’s athletics advisory board, praised the initiative as a forward‑looking step that reflects the institution’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
ODAC Commissioner Jane Doe highlighted the conference’s collective effort to expand opportunities for women across member schools, noting that the shared experience will foster competitive balance and innovative coaching practices.
The college’s leadership expressed confidence that the addition of flag football will not only enrich the campus athletic landscape but also serve as a model for other institutions seeking to broaden gender equity in sports.