Bridgewater College and Director of Athletics Curt Kendall are excited to announce the addition of women’s flag football as the College’s 26th intercollegiate sport. The new program will begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year.
Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with nearly 70 NCAA institutions sponsoring the competition, and it will be up for vote as an Emerging Sport for Women at the Division III level at the NCAA Convention in January. Flag football has gained popularity with its addition as a sport for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“Bridgewater College has always been a leader in affordability, access, and opportunities for our students, and we are very excited to step forward as a leader in the Shenandoah Valley by launching women’s flag football and expanding the winning culture of our athletic program,” said BC’s president, Dr. David Bushman.
He added, “With the sport’s tremendous growth across Virginia and the enthusiastic participation we see in local youth leagues, the time is right to bring this dynamic sport to BC. We look forward to offering this emerging sport and inspiring the next generation of female student-athletes in our community and beyond.”
A driving force behind the sport’s growth is the support from the National Football League (NFL). The NFL has been working to expand the sport at all levels, from youth to collegiate athletics. Seventeen different states have varsity high school athletic programs, with many considering adding in the near future. The sport has also been expanding rapidly in the Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia area thanks to the Washington Commanders’ efforts.
“Watching women’s flag football gain traction at the collegiate level marks an exciting milestone for the sport,” said Dan Levy, Director of Youth Football, Washington Commanders. “Bridgewater College’s commitment reflects that momentum, and we’re grateful to work alongside programs like theirs to create even more athletic and academic opportunities for young women, especially in the DMV and all throughout Virginia.”
Fellow ODAC members Hollins and Virginia Wesleyan currently sponsor the sport, and along with Bridgewater, Guilford will be adding it for the 2026-27 academic year. The ODAC is taking steps toward recognizing the competition with several other schools considering adding flag football in the near future.
“Bridgewater College’s addition of flag football as a varsity sport marks another exciting step forward for both the ODAC and the Division III landscape,” said Old Dominion Athletic Conference commissioner Brad Bankston. “As more ODAC institutions elevate the sport, this continued growth – combined with the national momentum surrounding women’s flag football – positions the conference to sponsor a championship in the not-too-distant future. We’re thrilled to see Bridgewater, and our fellow ODAC members, leading the way in expanding opportunities for female student-athletes across our region.”
”We are excited about providing another athletic opportunity for women at Bridgewater,” said Kendall. “We feel this program can be competitive from the start, and we encourage female high school student-athletes in the region to become a part of our first women’s flag football team.”
For more information on women’s flag football at Bridgewater, complete the inquiry form here.
Media Contact:
Leyton Pullin
Director of Athletic Media Relations
540-828-5360
12/5/25
