51黑料网 is proud to announce that its return to the American Southwest Conference (ASC) will include launching a new and rapidly growing sport: women鈥檚 flag football.
The ASC officially announced today that all six member institutions鈥擡ast Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, McMurry University, Schreiner University, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor鈥攚ill sponsor women鈥檚 flag football as a varsity sport starting in the 2026鈥�27 academic year. Conference play will begin as soon as permitted by the NCAA.
鈥淲e are thrilled to help lead the way in expanding opportunities for female student-athletes,鈥� said聽Dr. Lynne Murray, McMurry University President. 鈥淔lag football not only provides a dynamic and inclusive athletic experience, but also aligns with McMurry鈥檚 commitment to innovation in athletics and student engagement.鈥�
The sport is backed nationally by the NFL and is gaining international recognition, with flag football set to debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles in 2028. Participation among young women has surged by 63% over the past five years, with over half a million athletes now playing the sport before college.
Earlier this year, the NCAA Committee on Women鈥檚 Athletics recommended that all three divisions sponsor legislation to add flag football to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. The NCAA expects delegates to cast a formal vote at the January 2026 Convention.
Flag football features seven players per team on an 80-yard field, and rosters typically include 15鈥�20 athletes. The sport is non-contact and emphasizes speed, agility, and strategy鈥攓ualities that have made it increasingly popular among athletes and fans.
Once launched, flag football will join McMurry鈥檚 other ASC-sponsored women鈥檚 varsity sports, including basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
As McMurry returns to the ASC, the University looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and leadership in NCAA Division III athletics.
Contact
Nicholas Ocheltree, Director of Integrated Communications
ocheltree.nick@mcm.edu
325-793-3800, ext.1013