Spring Hill College Launches Women’s Flag Football Program for 2026-27

Spring Hill College just announced something pretty exciting for women’s sports—a Women’s Flag Football program will kick off in the 2026-2027 academic year. It’s not just a new team, either; it marks football’s return to the school after 84 years.

This move lines up with the national surge of interest in women’s flag football. With the NCAA recently adding women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program, Spring Hill’s jumping in at just the right time.

The Return of Football to Spring Hill College

Spring Hill College, one of South Alabama’s notable schools, is bringing football back in a modern, inclusive way. By launching a Women’s Flag Football team, the college is showing it’s serious about expanding athletic opportunities for women on campus.

Joe Niland, the director of athletics, called the move a big milestone. He sees it as a way to honor the school’s football legacy while embracing a fast-growing sport that’s catching on everywhere.

Expanding Athletic Offerings

Adding women’s flag football means Spring Hill now offers over 17 NCAA Division II sports. That’s a lot of options for students who want to compete.

The college hopes this new team will energize campus life and bring in fresh talent. There’s a real buzz about what’s next.

National Growth of Women’s Flag Football

Women’s flag football is exploding in popularity at both high school and college levels in the U.S. By 2026-2027, experts expect more than 300 teams to compete across the country.

The sport’s also set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. That’s bound to boost its visibility even more—who wouldn’t want to watch?

NCAA Recognition and Support

In January 2026, the NCAA voted to add women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program. That’s a big step toward official NCAA recognition.

This support gives the sport a clear path for growth and offers resources to help new programs get off the ground. It feels like a turning point.

Spring Hill College’s Leadership Role

Spring Hill’s taking a leadership role in the Southeast when it comes to women’s flag football. It’s currently the only four-year school in South Alabama and along the Gulf Coast to sponsor the sport.

Dr. Mary Van Brunt, the college president, said the program is all about expanding women’s athletics and answering the growing excitement for flag football in the region.

Regional Impact and Opportunities

Bringing women’s flag football to Spring Hill should make a real difference locally. It opens up new chances for student-athletes to play the sport they love while working toward a degree.

Jacob Galle, head coach of women’s flag football, says the program wants to recruit top athletes from the Gulf Coast and beyond. They’ll offer athletic scholarships and a shot to compete at a national level.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects

Spring Hill will join other Southeastern schools supporting women’s flag football, including:

• The University of West Alabama
• Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Ala.
• Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla.
• Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Fla.
• The University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla.

Having more schools involved should create a competitive environment and help the sport grow at the college level. It’s a shared effort that could really raise the profile of women’s flag football.

Building a Strong Program

Spring Hill wants its women’s flag football team to be both competitive and sustainable. They’re aiming to build a strong program by recruiting talented athletes and offering scholarships.

Players will get the chance to develop their skills, represent the college, and gain experiences that matter—on the field and off. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved, honestly.

Conclusion

Spring Hill College just launched a Women’s Flag Football program. Honestly, that’s a big move for both the school and the sport itself.