University of Redlands expands its athletics program with the addition of Women's Flag Football as a club in 2024-25

REDLANDS, Calif. – A new opportunity awaits the women students at the University of Redlands when they return to campus later this week: Women's Flag Football as a club sport in the spring of 2025, with plans to elevate it to an NCAA Division III-sponsored program in 2025-26.

Backed by the NFL, Women's Flag Football is one of the fastest-growing sports across the country with at least 13 states sanctioning it as a high school sport.  California added it to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) in 2023 with incredible success and expectations of continued growth.  The non-contact sport has grown in popularity due to its safe and inclusive nature.  There are now 22 NCAA Division III Universities/Colleges around the country that offer Varsity Women's Flag Football, and, in 2028, it will be included in the Los Angeles Olympics. 

"We are thrilled to introduce Women's Flag Football as a new sport at the University of Redlands," Jeff Martinez, Director of Athletics stated.  "This addition reflects our commitment to providing diverse opportunities for our students and supporting the growth of women's sports.  It's exciting to be at the forefront of sponsoring Women's Flag Football."

The launch of flag football broadens the University's athletic offering and provides students with athletic interests and abilities as an additional way to get involved on campus. It also aligns with the University of Redlands' ongoing commitment to providing its students with a holistic education that includes a diverse – and growing – range of extracurricular activities, which support their personal and academic growth.

Other conferences that have added Women's Flag Football include the Appalachian Athletic Conference (1), Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (1), Heart of America Athletic Conference (1), The Sun Conference (9), and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (11).   

Current University of Redlands students are invited to participate and those who are interested in joining the women's flag football team should complete this Interest Form. 

To learn more about the Bulldogs athletics program, please visit www.goredlands.com.