The fast-paced, exciting sport is gaining in popularity across the nation as well as a Manhattanville
Manhattanville University is proud to announce the addition of women’s flag football as the 24th varsity sport sponsored by the college, furthering the University’s commitment to expanding opportunities for female student-athletes and embracing one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Flag football was previously offered as a co-ed intramural sport at Manhattanville; the women’s flag football varsity team is expected to begin competing in the spring of 2028.
“Adding women’s flag football as a varsity sport reflects Manhattanville University’s dedication to innovation and inclusion in collegiate athletics,” said Manhattanville President Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D. “This is an exciting opportunity to create new pathways for student-athletes, with a sport that is gaining momentum across the country.”
“I am excited to add Women’s Flag Football to our athletic sponsorship. This is a rapidly growing sport at the high school, collegiate and Olympic level that will create new opportunities for female student-athletes to compete, lead and be a part of the Valiant Family,” said Julene Caulfield, Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation.
Women’s flag football has been recognized as a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Emerging Sport for Women. Flag football has experienced significant growth nationwide, with participation increasing at both the high school and college levels. According to the NCAA, Girls’ flag football is now offered in 39 states at the high school level, with approximately 69,000 participants and year-over-year growth exceeding 60 percent. At the collegiate level, women’s flag football continues to gain traction, with more than 60 institutions projected to sponsor the sport across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III in the 2025–26 academic year. Conference championships are already being introduced, helping to establish a robust competitive structure and postseason opportunities.
The Valiants will compete in the Skyline conference starting in the 2027-2028 season (in the spring of 2028), with women’s flag football becoming Manhatanville’s 18th program competing in the conference. The addition of women’s flag football continues the ongoing expansion of athletics at Manhattanville University, with junior varsity (JV) Men’s Soccer added for the 2024 season, varsity men’s volleyball added for the 2023 season, JV baseball added for the 2022 season, and JV Men’s Basketball added for the 2022 season.
Flag football is played in a 7-on-7 format and features fast-paced competition, with each game consisting of four 15-minute quarters. The sport emphasizes strategy, agility, and teamwork, offering a dynamic and accessible collegiate experience. The addition of women’s flag football will expand participation opportunities and further enhance campus life at Manhattanville University. Approximately 21 new students will be expected to be added to the roster of the women’s flag football varsity team at Manhattanville, in addition to students who are already enrolled at Manhattanville who will have the opportunity to try out for the team.
Visit https://www.mville.edu to learn more.
