A university in North Texas is making history by pioneering the state’s first women’s varsity flag football program.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A university in North Texas is making history in women’s college sports.
Texas Wesleyan University, a private Methodist university in Fort Worth, is kicking off the first women’s varsity flag football program in the state.
The team is set to make its debut in the spring 2026 season with a roster of 25 to 30 student athletes who will compete nationwide. The school is also searching for a head coach to lead the program.
The launch of Texas Wesleyan’s women’s v arsity flag football program comes as the sport is set to be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“We are incredibly excited to add women’s flag football to our athletic program,” said Texas Wesleyan University President Emily Messer in a statement. “This exciting new athletic program aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our student-athletes and to making a positive impact on our community. By offering this unique sport, we hope to inspire young girls and women to pursue their athletic dreams and combine them with a world-class education at Texas Wesleyan.”
School officials say the popularity of flag football is growing nationwide, too. Nearly half a million girls between ages 6 and 17 played flag football in 2023, up 63% from 2019.
The team’s home field will be the university’s new Karen Kramer Athletic Stadium when it opens. Construction began on the stadium in 2022.
“We’re excited to elevate women’s flag football to new heights here in Texas as well as nationally. As the sport continues to grow, Texas Wesleyan University is proud to be at the forefront, preparing our student-athletes for the future, including the 2028 Olympics,” said Ricky Dotson, athletic director for Texas Wesleyan University in a statement.
Marjorie Herrera Lewis, Commissioner of the Women’s Pro Flag Football League and a Fort Worth resident, donated to help fund the team’s startup costs.
“I am thrilled that Texas Wesleyan is adding women’s flag football to its sports program. Flag football is fast becoming one of the most popular participation sports in the country, and once again, Texas Wesleyan is ahead of the curve,” said Lewis in a statement. “What a thrill it is to be at the ground floor of bringing this sports opportunity for women to the campus.”
