Hawaii Pacific University is set to field its first collegiate women's flag football team this fall, marking a historic addition to the school's athletics portfolio.
A Sport on the Rise
Flag football has experienced rapid growth across the United States, drawing increasing participation at the high school and club levels. The NCAA recognized the momentum by adding the discipline to its Emerging Sports for Women program earlier this year, a move that paves the way for full championship sponsorship.
The new program will debut on the Olympic stage in 2028 when flag football becomes a medal event at the Los Angeles Summer Games, underscoring the sport's expanding legitimacy.
HPU's Strategic Move
Positioned within the university's NCAA Division II framework, the team will practice on a field adjacent to the iconic Shark Tank facility and will compete as a member of the Pacific West Conference, pending final scheduling agreements.
Debbie Snell, HPU's Executive Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting that the program aligns with the university's broader goal of expanding women's sports offerings while providing a clear pathway for student‑athletes to join the program.
With the addition of women's flag football, Hawaii Pacific University now sponsors 11 women's athletic programs alongside six men's sports and co‑ed cheer, reflecting a balanced expansion of campus athletics.
Recruiting the Next Generation
Prospective student‑athletes are encouraged to apply to HPU and identify themselves as flag football recruits, a call that aims to attract talent eager to be part of a pioneering team.