Azusa Pacific University (APU) announced this week that it will begin a women's flag football program as a club sport in the spring of 2027, with ambitions to transition to full intercollegiate competition for the 2027‑28 academic year. The move comes as flag football experiences a surge in popularity, especially among female athletes, and is slated to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
A coach with a mission
Bo Beatty, a former APU football player and longtime assistant coach, has been named the program's inaugural head coach. Beatty, who previously served as an offensive coordinator at a local high school, said the role represents a full‑circle moment in his own spiritual and athletic journey at APU. He emphasized that the new team will be built around a unified football ecosystem that blends the flag program with the university's existing men's tackle squad.
According to Beatty, the initiative is about more than Xs and Os. He wants to recruit athletes who are committed to a holistic development model that integrates academic excellence, athletic performance and spiritual growth. 'We’re looking for young women who want to treat people right, work hard and let their faith guide them,' he explained.
Early momentum and community support
Within two weeks of the announcement, seven student‑athletes have already committed to join the club, a testament to the excitement surrounding the project. Beatty hopes that the broader APU alumni network will continue to rally behind the team, offering mentorship, networking opportunities and financial backing to help the program thrive.
Flag football’s rising profile
The sport’s rapid ascent is evident in its status as the fastest‑growing youth sport for American women and girls. Its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics has amplified interest at the collegiate level, prompting universities like APU to consider how they can leverage the momentum to broaden participation and investment in women's athletics.