Campus News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Dec. 12, 2023

ROCKFORD, Ill. (December 12, 2023) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is excited to announce the start of a women’s flag football program. 

On Monday, October 16, the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of men’s and women’s flag football to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Both the NAIA and NJCAA have officially recognized women’s flag football as a competitive women’s sport, and the NCAA is currently considering the proposition. Women’s flag football has seen remarkable growth over recent years, especially at the high school level. The sport has an inclusiveness that brings together young women from diverse backgrounds who possess all types of different skill sets.

On November 7^th, the IHSA announced that sanctioning girls flag football as an IHSA sport will be on the ballot. The Rockford area has already begun to see immense growth in the sport, with seven schools participating in 2023. Since 2021, the Chicago Bears have served as the organizing body and hosted the 2022 and 2023 state championships at Halas Hall. The league began with 22 teams in its inaugural season and has now expanded to 109 teams.

“Since our founding in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford University has been at the forefront of advancing educational opportunities for women,” Rockford University President Patricia Lynott stated. “Now we can build upon that tradition with the introduction of women’s flag football.”

“We want to get in at the ground floor, and we are thrilled to be the first college in the state of Illinois who has a competitive women’s flag football program,” Director of Athletics, Jason Mulligan said. “The response has been met with overwhelming approval, and Rockford University will become a leader with its flagship program.”

Since the NCAA has not officially recognized women’s flag football as a competitive sport, we will begin our program as a club on campus. As of now, the program will be built around a 7 vs. 7 format.

Please stay tuned for more information as plans progress.