Roanoke, Va. - Hollins Leads as Women's Flag Football Earns NCAA Emerging Sport Status 

Hollins University is proud to share exciting national news that reinforces our longstanding belief in women's athletics: women's flag football has officially been voted an NCAA Emerging Sport.
Approved by the NCAA membership, this designation recognizes women's flag football as one of the Association's Emerging Sports for Women—an important step designed to support varsity-level competition, expand participation opportunities, and establish a pathway toward a future NCAA championship.
 
For Hollins, this moment is especially meaningful. Long before today's vote, Hollins invested in women's flag football as a sport aligned with our values of access, innovation, and opportunity. As one of the early adopters at the collegiate level, Hollins helped demonstrate what is possible when institutions commit to growing the game and supporting student-athletes in emerging sports. "This is a significant and exciting moment for women's flag football," said Chris Kilcoyne, Athletic Director.  "Hollins has been proud to lead in this space, and the NCAA's recognition validates the work of our student-athletes, coaches, and advocates who have helped grow the sport nationally." 

Flag football has seen rapid expansion across high schools, colleges, and professional organizations, driven by its fast-paced style of play, accessibility, and increasing national visibility. The NCAA Emerging Sport designation is expected to further accelerate that growth by providing structure, consistency, and institutional support. "This vote isn't the finish line—it's the beginning of the next chapter," Kilcoyne added. "We're excited to continue building momentum and expanding opportunities for women to compete at the collegiate level."
 
Hollins remains committed to advancing women's athletics. We look forward to what's ahead for our student-athletes, and for women's flag football nationwide.