MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Alverno College and the Department of Athletics have announced the addition of flag football as its eighth varsity sport, with targeted competition beginning in the spring of 2028.

"I'm deeply grateful and excited to add flag football as our newest sport offering," said Director of Athletics Antonio Rivas. "As we continue to grow and expand our athletic programs, this investment by our administration shows the commitment to provide student athletes even more opportunities to play the sport they love and continue their education."

Women's Flag Football was officially added to the NCAA's Emerging Sports for Women program at the 2026 NCAA Convention and recently received a formal recommendation to become an NCAA championship sport. Its first championship is projected to occur in spring 2028. According to the NCAA, over 100 schools are planning to compete during the next academic year.

"Sports play an important role in women's higher education by building confidence, leadership, and community," said Christy Brown, JD, president of Alverno College. "As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Alverno athletics, we're proud to add another sport that will create meaningful opportunities for women to challenge themselves, grow as leaders, and experience the value of developing the whole person."

Women's Flag Football is played in a fast-paced 7-on-7 format, with average team rosters of approximately 25 players. Games consist of four 12-minute quarters played on a field measuring 80 yards long by 40 yards wide. Offenses have four downs to advance the ball across each 20-yard zone for a first down, with the option to punt on third down. Failure to advance results in a change of possession. Teams score six points for a touchdown and may attempt a one- or two-point conversion from five or 10 yards out. Unlike traditional tackle football, there are no field goals or point-after kicks. Instead of tackling, players wear flag belts with two pop-flags attached at the hips, and a play is ruled dead when a flag is pulled.

The search for a head flag football coach will commence immediately, with the first season of competition coming in the spring of 2028.