Hawai‘i Pacific University is poised to field a women's flag football team in the upcoming fall season, becoming the first college in the state to sponsor the sport at the varsity level. The new squad, nicknamed the Sharks, will train on a field adjacent to the iconic Shark Tank, integrating the program into the campus's vibrant athletic landscape.
A Milestone for Women's Athletics
The addition of flag football brings HPU's total athletic offerings to 18 sports, of which 11 are women's programs. Alongside the new flag football team, the university continues to support six men's sports and co‑ed cheer, underscoring a balanced commitment to gender equity across its intercollegiate portfolio.
HPU Athletics Director Debbie Snell highlighted the significance of the move, stating, “We are proud to be the first university in the state to offer flag football at the collegiate level.” Her endorsement reflects a broader ambition to elevate women's sports within the institution and the surrounding community.
The Sharks will compete in the Pacific West Conference and will supplement their schedule with matches against club teams on O‘ahu as well as post‑graduate squads. This hybrid approach aims to provide a robust competitive environment while fostering local rivalries and community engagement.
Flag football’s rise across the United States has been accompanied by growing visibility on the national stage. The sport will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, featuring competitions for both women and men, a development that aligns with HPU’s forward‑looking strategy.
The Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) has already sanctioned girls flag football as an official sport, conducting two full seasons of play in the state. Recent tournaments have seen Moanalua capture the Division I title and Kapolei win the Division II crown, with the 2025 event hosting a 16‑team bracket and the 2026 tournaments expanding to 12 teams per bracket at the Division I and II levels.