Illinois Wesleyan University has announced the addition of its 27th sport, and it’s one that came out of left field, taking female students by surprise.
Despite the bad pun, the field isn’t a ballpark, it’s the gridiron. Women’s flag football is slated to be the school’s 27th sponsored sport (see page 7). Athletic Director Mike Wagner offered assurance to the mixed reactions. He explained the sport’s explosive growth in recent years, including the upcoming representation at the 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A. He recognized a national desire to offer diverse athletic options to students and perhaps get a leg up on any competition in becoming an early adopter.
Women’s flag football, both at the high school and collegiate levels, has gained popularity, but the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has only begun acknowledging it in 2024. IWU is predicted to become the third Div. III school in Illinois to adopt it.
On the national level, Women’s flag football has become a rising star of high school sports, especially among girls.
13 states recognize Women’s Flag Football as an official sport and a growing number of universities nationwide sponsor it, the majority being found in Flordia like Keiser University and Florida Memorial University. But there are also some midwestern and southern schools sprinkled in the mix like Kansas Wesleyan University, Midland University and Milligan College. The sport may be an underdog right now, but it seems like the odds-on favorite for a breakout in the imminent future.
On top of that, the momentum is beginning to accelerate with the upcoming Olympics. Some female athletes see women’s flag football inclusion in the Olympics as a pathway for young women to try a previously inaccessible fitness activity and display their skills on the national stage. Illinois Wesleyan student Malia Ames (‘25) said the lack of representation and opportunity in the football world can be discouraging. “ Just being given the opportunity to sign up for a flag football team feels important because we are finally getting our own stage in a male-dominated space,” said Ames.
Some IWU students are excited about the scholarship opportunities the sport will provide, and their familiar connections with fellow athletes as massive motivators for female students to give the team a shot. “At first I wasn’t sure about the idea and if it would gain any interest from the female population at the school, but since the announcement I have had friends express their enthusiasm about the addition,” said Ames. “This is such a cool chance we are getting that not many other schools get.”
Just like other high schools and universities nationwide, IWU has demonstrated a commitment to its lady athletes of the present and future. They refuse to let an uphill climb halt their grind toward a more inclusive and vibrant athletics climate. Stories of persistent female athletes are backing the sport and a handful of other schools have chosen to include women’s flag football as a way to overcome adversity.
IWU has already begun its national search for a full-time head coach and plans to commence competition in 2026. For future Titan flag footballers, this new sport means representation.