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Home > Manchester adds women’s flag football to athletics program

Manchester adds women’s flag football to athletics program

Jun 17, 2026

鶹ԭwill addwomen’s flag football toits20 NCAA-sanctioned sports in Fall 2027.

Tabbedas anemerging NCAAsport in January 2026, this initiative aims to capitalizeoff ofthe growing popularity of women’s flag football in youth leagues, highschoolsand collegiate clubs.Women’s flag football was able toachieve NCAA championship statuswith help from the Emerging Sports for Women program, which supports broader sports opportunities for women.It has also been added as a sport for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

More than100 collegeshavesponsoredvarsity or clubflag footballteams in 2026.Manchester is the first university in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) to adopt women’s flag football.

“We look forward to building a program that will provide an outstanding student-athlete experience while creating new opportunities to thrive on and off the field,”said Rick Espeset, director of athletics and head baseball coach at Manchester.

Athletes will compete in a fast-paced, 7-on-7 format.Manchester plans tobegincompetingin Spring2028, allowing time for prospective student-athlete recruitment.

A national searchfor a head coach is ongoing.

Press release written by communications intern Chris Rohr.

For the media

Contact Rick Espeset, director of athletics and head baseball coach, atRBEspeset@manchester.edu.

鶹ԭ, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Our mission and values

鶹ԭ respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

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