Roanoke, Va. – Hollins University Director of Athletics Chris Kilcoyne has announced the addition of Flag Football to the university's offering of intercollegiate sports.  

Kilcoyne announced plans to hire a head coach and play a limited club schedule in the Spring of 2025. Flag Football will be part of an overarching student wellness program that will also include new intramural and club sport opportunities on campus.  

"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," said Kilcoyne. "There is a great deal of momentum nationwide for Women's Flag Football and I look forward to watching the program grow."  

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, the number of girls playing high school football – particularly flag football – continues to climb.  A total of 20,875 girls participated in flag football in 2022-23 – an increase of 32 percent.

At the high school level, 11 states currently sanction women's flag football, including Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida while North Carolina has pilot programs and South Carolina has shown interest. Over the last five years, participation in high school girls flag football has grown by nearly 15 percent and nearly 18 percent for ages 6-17.

In 2024-25, it is anticipated that 10 NCAA institutions will be competing at the varsity level across all three divisions. At the NAIA level, there are 24 institutions currently participating women's flag football and seven at the NJCAA level.

Flag Football is played 7-on-7. A contest will consist of four 12-minute quarters on a field that is 80x40 yards. The offense has four downs to cross each 20-yard line for a first down with an option to punt at third down. If unsuccessful, teams surrender possession to their opponent.