A Historic Appointment
Slippery Rock University has tapped Lisa Horton to serve as the inaugural head coach of its newly created women’s flag football program, a role she will assume on July 1, 2026. The appointment marks the university’s entry into a rapidly expanding sport that is slated to become an Olympic event in 2028.
Horton, who previously guided the Pittsburgh Passion to a national championship in 2025 and contributed to the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys coaching staffs, brings nearly two decades of professional playing and coaching experience. Her extensive background includes a stint as a standout player who earned induction into the Women’s Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The program is slated to field its first competitive squad in the spring semester of the 2027‑28 academic year, giving Horton a full year to recruit, schedule, and shape the team’s identity before official play begins.
Flag Football’s Rise and Olympic Ambitions
Flag football has emerged as one of the fastest‑growing sports in the United States, drawing increasing participation from high schools and colleges. The NCAA is exploring the creation of a National Collegiate Flag Football Championship, while the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games adds a new layer of prestige and funding opportunities.
Prospective student‑athletes interested in joining the 2027‑28 roster can submit a recruiting questionnaire, a step that underscores the university’s commitment to building a competitive pipeline from high school to collegiate competition.