BROOKLYN, N.Y. – October 25, 2024 — St. Joseph's University, New York (SJNY) has announced the introduction of a Women's Flag Football program, starting in spring 2025. Additionally, the Bears have launched a search for the program's first-ever head coach.

"We are beyond excited to be able to offer this new opportunity for our female student-athletes at St. Joseph's University, New York," said Megan Valentine, director of athletics and recreation for St. Joseph's Brooklyn Campus. "Flag football is the fastest-growing emerging high school sport, and the visionary leadership of RCX Sports, the NCAA, and the NFL has played a significant role in the sport's growth. At St. Joseph's, we feel it is vitally important that we provide opportunities for high school females to continue competing at the next level."

With this announcement, St. Joseph's University, New York becomes the first institution in the Skyline Conference to launch a women's flag football program.

"This is an exciting time to announce this addition to St. Joseph's athletic offerings," said Skyline Conference Commissioner Melissa Reilly. "Girls' and women's flag football is exploding, and by adding this program, St. Joseph's University, New York is creating more opportunities for young women to compete in intercollegiate athletics. We are dedicated to assisting in their efforts and commend St. Joseph's for being pioneers in this area."

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), nearly 500,000 female youths participated in NFL flag football leagues in the past year. Additionally, 13 U.S. states have now sanctioned girls' flag football as a championship sport, with New York doing so in February 2022, coinciding with National Girls' and Women in Sports Day. The state held its first girls' flag football championship in June 2024 after several years as a pilot program.

In May 2024, the Brooklyn Campus hosted the Evolution: Girls' Flag Football Clinic to gauge interest in the sport. More than 30 young girls from the tri-state area participated, learning skills from experienced coaches while also attending a panel hosted in collaboration with the Women's Gridiron Foundation that highlighted women in football.

Flag football is played on an 80x40 yard field and features four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. Teams generally have around 25 players, though there are no current official roster caps, and the games are played in a seven-on-seven format. Flag football, for both men and women, has been recognized as an Olympic sport by the International Olympic Committee and will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

For more information about Women's Flag Football at SJNY, visit our FAQs page. Prospective students can also fill out a student-athlete recruitment form. For more information about SJNY, visit sjny.edu.