Hollins Director of Athletics Chris Kilcoyne has announced the addition of flag football to the roster of intercollegiate sports at the university, beginning in the spring of 2025.
“I’m proud that Hollins is at the forefront of providing opportunities for young women to continue their playing careers in the sport of flag football,” Kilcoyne says. “There is a great deal of momentum nationwide for women’s flag football and I look forward to watching our program grow.”
Kilcoyne stated that plans are underway to hire a head coach and play a limited club schedule next spring. “Flag football will be part of an overarching student wellness program that will also include new intramural and club sport opportunities on campus.”
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, the number of young women playing high school football, particularly flag football, continues to climb. Over the last five years, participation in flag football among high school girls has grown by nearly 15 percent, and nearly 18 percent for ages six to 17.
Eleven states currently sanction women’s flag football at the high school level, including Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, while North Carolina has established pilot programs and South Carolina has shown interest.
In 2024-25, it is anticipated that 10 NCAA colleges and universities will be competing at the varsity level across all three divisions. Twenty-four institutions are participating in women’s flag football in the NAIA, and seven in the NJCAA.
Flag football is played seven-on-seven. A contest consists of four 12-minute quarters on a field that is 80 x 40 yards. Each team’s offense has four downs to cross each 20-yard line for a first down with an option to punt on third down. If unsuccessful, teams surrender possession to their opponent.
