Old Westbury College is kicking off something big, and it’s got everyone buzzing: a women’s flag football team is on the horizon, promising to make serious waves in collegiate sports.
At a Glance
- Old Westbury College launches a women’s flag football team, starting as a club in 2026.
- Varsity competition is slated for 2027, reinforcing women’s opportunities in sports.
- The program will compete in the Skyline Conference, drawing local talent.
- The campus is ready for a new era with events like the Islanders’ draft party and the ‘Run Around the Lake.’
College Sports Expansion
Flag football isn’t just gaining ground; it’s sprinting ahead as Old Westbury College announces plans to roll out an adventurous women’s flag football team. The excitement begins at the club level in 2026, with a clear path to elevating the team to varsity status by 2027. This move mirrors a broader trend among colleges like Albright College and Georgia Highlands, indicating a growing commitment to women’s sports nationwide. Check out this source for further details.
Recruitment will target local talent, focusing on high schools and middle schools throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Initial tryouts are slated for this fall, with more set for the spring semester. Not to mention, walk-on spots remain open for students eager to join this pioneering team. The plan isn’t just to create a team—it’s to build a legacy, empowering female athletes within the Skyline Conference and setting a standard as one of six conference institutions to make this leap. For insights, visit this source.
Community Engagement
While flag football is a highlight, Old Westbury College isn’t stopping there. The Islanders’ draft party at UBS Arena will introduce attendees to the team’s new general manager, Mathieu Darche. This event is more than a celebration; it’s a nod to engagement and collaboration within the college community. Meanwhile, Long Island residents gear up for ‘Run Around the Lake,’ honoring Navy SEAL Michael Murphy, merging fitness, memory, and community spirit.
“Flag football might see another big push thanks to the NFL.” – NFL
With flag football solidified as an Olympic sport debuting at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the momentum is palpable. Colleges from Oklahoma Wesleyan to Manor College are establishing or expanding women’s flag football programs, signaling a nationwide movement. Old Westbury’s push harmonizes with these trends, endorsed by USA Football, now the National Governing Body for flag football.
A New Era for Athletics
Old Westbury College’s initiatives signal a significant cultural shift, enriching the college athletics landscape and empowering female athletes of the future. As excitement builds on and off the field, all eyes will be on how this burgeoning program evolves, contributing to a vibrant college community. The additions align with broader developments in collegiate and professional sports, anticipating a bold future for flag football.
“Flag football might see another big push thanks to the NFL.” – NFL
The question isn’t just about the game itself—it’s about how initiatives like these will transform opportunities for women in sports, setting new standards for collegiate and professional realms alike.
