Takoma Park, MD – The Washington Adventist University (WAU) Athletics Department is thrilled to announce the addition of women's flag football to its roster of sports programs, set to debut in the Spring of 2026. This expansion marks a historic step for WAU as it seeks to promote greater inclusivity and engagement in women's athletics, tapping into the growing interest in women's flag football at both collegiate and national levels.

Women's flag football has seen a significant surge in popularity nationwide, with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) officially recognizing the sport in 2020. WAU's decision to introduce women's flag football is a response to this momentum and aligns with the university's commitment to fostering diverse athletic opportunities by adding another layer of excitement to WAU's athletics program and bringing a new level of competition to the university's campus.

Athletic Director Jered Lyons expressed enthusiasm about this strategic addition, stating, "We are excited to bring Flag Football here to WAU. It's an emerging sport and the NAIA has been at the forefront of this amazing initiative. It emphasizes and encourages more girls to participate in sports, it will bring exciting programming to our campus in the Spring, and it will allow us to target prospective students in new areas. We are grateful for the leadership and vision of Dr. Spence & VP Farley to support this new initiative."

The new women's flag football team will add to the university's growing list of women's sports, joining soccer, volleyball, cross country, softball, acro-airs, and basketball. The Athletics Department will work closely with local high school programs, hosting clinics and recruitment events to engage prospective student-athletes from the surrounding areas of Takoma Park and beyond. This initiative is designed to create a pipeline of talent, allowing high school players to envision a future in collegiate flag football.

WAU plans to kick off the team's inaugural season with a roster of approximately 15-20 players. The team's training will focus on agility, strategy, and developing a solid understanding of flag football fundamentals. The Athletics Department has committed to providing support and resources, as well as recruiting a skilled coaching staff to support the team's development and success. The search for a head coach will start soon, with candidates expected to bring both coaching experience and a passion for pioneering women's flag football.

WAU is eager to engage the campus and surrounding community in supporting its latest athletic program. Plans for the team's debut season include a home opener and special community events designed to introduce fans to the excitement of women's flag football. Local supporters, alumni, and families will have the opportunity to attend games and cheer on the newest addition to the WAU athletics family.

For more information on recruitment or community events surrounding the launch of WAU women's flag football, please visit www.wauathletics.com or contact our WAU Athletics Recruiter at dcarroll@wau.edu.