Manhattanville University is continuing its commitment to innovation, inclusion, and student opportunity with the addition of women’s flag football as a new varsity sport.
Set to begin competition in spring 2028, the new women's flag football program marks an exciting milestone as the University’s 24th varsity sport and reflects the growing momentum of one of the nation’s fastest-rising athletic programs.
A Fast-Growing Opportunity for Student-Athletes
Women’s flag football is experiencing explosive growth across the United States—and Manhattanville is stepping in at just the right time. Recognized as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women, flag football has rapidly expanded at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Today, the sport is offered in 39 states at the high school level, with nearly 69,000 participants nationwide and annual growth exceeding 60 percent. At the college level, more than 60 institutions are expected to sponsor teams during the 2025–26 academic year, signaling strong momentum and long-term sustainability for the sport.
For Manhattanville students, this translates into new and meaningful opportunities to compete, lead, and thrive as part of a rapidly evolving athletic landscape.
Driving Innovation in Collegiate Athletics
The addition of women’s flag football aligns with Manhattanville University’s broader vision of expanding access and elevating the student-athlete experience.
“This is an exciting opportunity to create new pathways for student-athletes,” said President Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., emphasizing the University’s commitment to embracing emerging trends and fostering inclusive athletic programs.
Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Julene Caulfield echoed that enthusiasm. “I am excited to add Women’s Flag Football to our athletic sponsorship. This is a rapidly growing sport at the high school, collegiate and Olympic level that will create new opportunities for female student-athletes to compete, lead and be a part of the Valiant Family,” said Caulfield.
By introducing flag football, Manhattanville continues to position itself at the forefront of forward-thinking collegiate athletics programs.
Building the Future of the Valiants
The women's varsity flag football team will compete in the Skyline Conference beginning in the 2027–28 season, further strengthening Manhattanville’s presence within the conference and bringing its total Skyline-sponsored programs to 18.
The team is expected to include approximately 21 student-athletes, with opportunities available both for incoming recruits and current Manhattanville students interested in trying out.
This addition is part of a sustained expansion of Manhattanville Athletics in recent years, which has included new and junior varsity programs across multiple sports.
A Sport Built for Today’s Student-Athlete
Flag football offers a modern, fast-paced twist on traditional football. Played in a 7-on-7 format with four 15-minute quarters, the game emphasizes speed, agility, strategy, and teamwork.
Its accessible, high-energy format makes it an ideal addition to campus life—encouraging participation, competition, and school spirit while aligning with evolving student interests.
Enhancing Campus Life and Community
Beyond competition, the introduction of women’s flag football will help enrich the overall student experience at Manhattanville. By creating new opportunities for engagement, leadership, and personal growth, the program will contribute to a dynamic and inclusive campus community.
From intramurals to varsity competition, the evolution of flag football at Manhattanville highlights the University’s ongoing dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for its students—both on and off the field.
Looking ahead to 2028, one thing is clear: women’s flag football isn’t just a new sport at Manhattanville—it’s a bold step forward in shaping the future of athletics, opportunity, and student life.
See https://www.mville.edu/advancingathletics for more updates about Manhattanville’s new multi-sport field.
