Washington College, a liberal arts institution in Chestertown, Maryland, has announced that it will add women’s flag football to its varsity athletics portfolio.
A strategic move amid growing national interest
The program will launch as a club competition during the 2026‑27 academic year, with full varsity status targeted for the spring of 2028. This timeline reflects the college’s alignment with the NCAA’s recent designation of flag football as an emerging sport and its upcoming inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games.
Thad Moore, the school’s Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics, said the addition underscores the institution’s commitment to expanding opportunities for female student‑athletes and to tapping into a sport that is rapidly gaining traction across the country.
Linking high school growth with collegiate pathways
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) had earlier sanctioned girls’ flag football as a championship sport, paving the way for a seamless transition from high school competition to the college level. Washington College hopes to serve as a natural next step for athletes who have already honed their skills in the high school arena.
Prospective players can reach out to Jack Despeaux for detailed recruitment information and scholarship possibilities.
The initiative also reflects a broader effort to integrate emerging sports into the college’s athletic identity, positioning the school at the forefront of innovative varsity offerings.