Bridgewater College Adds Women’s Flag Football Team for 2026

Bridgewater College just announced it’s adding women’s flag football as its 26th intercollegiate sport. The program’s set to kick off in the 2026–27 academic year, riding the wave of the sport’s growing popularity across the country.

Nearly 70 NCAA institutions now sponsor women’s flag football. The sport’s about to get recognized as an Emerging Sport for Women at the Division III level during the next NCAA Convention.

With women’s flag football joining the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, interest has picked up even more. Bridgewater’s move feels like a big step for women’s athletics in Virginia, especially since so many young players already love the game there.

The Surge of Women’s Flag Football

Women’s flag football has exploded in popularity all over the U.S. Thanks to the NFL, the sport’s caught on from youth leagues up to college programs.

Right now, 17 states offer varsity high school flag football, and that number seems poised to grow. The Washington Commanders, in particular, have played a big role in getting the sport off the ground in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.

Bridgewater College’s Commitment

Bridgewater College wants to lead the way in offering affordable, accessible options for students. Dr. David Bushman, the college president, said they’re aiming to inspire future female athletes and expand the college’s winning athletic culture.

Support from the NFL and Local Organizations

The NFL’s backing has fueled the sport’s growth in a big way. The league’s pushed for more participation at every level, making women’s flag football a real contender.

Locally, the Washington Commanders have championed the sport. Dan Levy, who directs youth football for the Commanders, called it a huge milestone to see women’s flag football thriving in college and thanked programs like Bridgewater’s for creating more opportunities for young women.

Impact on the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)

Adding women’s flag football at Bridgewater is set to shake up the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Hollins and Virginia Wesleyan already sponsor the sport, and Bridgewater, along with Guilford, will join them in 2026–27.

With more schools jumping in, the ODAC might even sponsor a championship soon. The sport’s getting a real foothold in the conference.

ODAC Commissioner’s Perspective

Brad Bankston, ODAC’s commissioner, said he’s thrilled to see Bridgewater add flag football as a varsity sport. He thinks this growth is great for both the conference and Division III athletics.

With more schools on board, the ODAC can offer student-athletes better competition and maybe even set up future championships.

Bridgewater College’s Athletic Vision

Curt Kendall, Bridgewater’s Director of Athletics, laid out the vision for the new women’s flag football team. The plan is to field a competitive squad right away and give women another way to get involved in college sports.

Kendall encouraged local high school athletes to think about joining Bridgewater’s first women’s flag football team. He sounded genuinely excited about what’s ahead for the program.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Flag Football

Bringing women’s flag football to Bridgewater College isn’t just about adding a sport. It’s part of a bigger push for gender equality in athletics.

The sport’s gaining recognition and support, and that means more doors opening for young women who want to chase their athletic dreams. The next NCAA Convention could be a turning point if they approve flag football as an Emerging Sport for Women at the Division III level.

Olympic Inclusion and Beyond

Women’s flag football joining the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles marks a huge moment. The Olympic spotlight should raise the sport’s profile even higher and inspire a new wave of athletes.

I’d bet more schools and colleges will start up women’s flag football programs, giving even more young women a shot at the game. The future feels wide open.

Continued Growth and Support

Women’s flag football keeps growing, but it needs steady backing from groups like the NFL and local sports teams. Their push to promote the sport at different levels really matters if we want to keep things moving forward.