Elizabethtown, Pa. - Elizabethtown College recently announced the addition of women's flag football as the institution's 25th varsity sport, beginning in spring 2028.
 
"Adding women's flag football is an exciting step forward for our athletic department and the College," Elizabethtown College Director of Athletics, Chris Morgan '91, said. "This program expands opportunities for female student-athletes, reflects the growing national momentum behind the sport, and reinforces our commitment to equity, innovation, and competitive excellence."
 
One of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, women's flag football was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January 2026 and is now eligible to pursue NCAA championship status. The sport will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
 
Women's flag football will become Etown's first addition to the athletics department since Men's Volleyball in the 2018–19 academic year.
 
As of summer 2025, NCAA sports sponsorship data showed that at least 40 NCAA schools planned to sponsor the sport at the varsity level in the 2025-26 academic year. Sponsorship continues to rapidly increase across all NCAA Divisions, including Division III, as nearly 100 institutions are anticipated to add women's flag football as a varsity sport by spring 2028, according to additional tracking from sports leaders. 
 
The number of girls competing in the sport at the high school level continues to grow as well, with participation increasing by an average of 35% per year since 2018-19.
 
Featuring 7-on-7 competition played over four 12-minute quarters, women's flag football includes fast-paced, non-contact action that emphasizes speed, strategy, and skill. Competitors wear tightly fixed flag belts with sockets and two pop-flags on either side of their hips.
 
Offenses have four downs to cross each 20-yard line for a first down, with the option to punt on fourth down. If unsuccessful, teams surrender possession to their opponent. Teams score six points for a touchdown and then have the option to attempt a 1-point conversion from the 3-yard line or a 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line.
 
Etown is exploring conference affiliations.Student-athletes interested in joining the inaugural program are encourage to complete a recruiting questionnaire.

A national search for the first head coach of Etown's Women's Flag Football team is currently underway. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.