MARION, Ind. – Indiana Wesleyan University Athletics is proud to announce the addition of Women's Flag Football as its newest varsity sport. The new program comes as part of the university's ongoing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for female athletes. IWU will offer athletic scholarships and compete at the highest level within the NAIA, with recruiting set to begin immediately.

"I am excited to  announce the launch of Women's Flag Football to the IWU Athletic Department," said Brian Jaworski, Vice President of Student Development and Athletics. "Women's Flag Football will provide yet another opportunity for our Women Wildcats to engage in an athletic department that puts Christ first. As an emerging sport in the United States, this helps position IWU Athletics for strategic growth for years to come."

A nationwide search will begin immediately to hire the program's inaugural head coach. The coach will begin recruiting immediately to lay the foundation for the program's launch in the 2026-2027 academic year. Individuals interested in applying can do so by clicking HERE.

"Women's Flag Football is one of the fastest growing women's sports in the U.S. right now, with many states having approved high school leagues and accelerated growth expected before its inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028," said Deane Webb, Director of Athletics. "Indiana Wesleyan University has chosen to be a part of that growth, creating opportunities for more women to compete at the intercollegiate level, and I am thankful for our decision to be a leader in this space."

The NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee has approved women's flag football as an invitational sport for the 2025-26 season. Women's flag football launched as an emerging sport in the NAIA in 2021. The upcoming season will feature 35 programs competing in the NAIA, and beginning in the Spring, the postseason will shift to a qualification-based invitational tournament.

"One of the benefits to a new sport joining the IWU Athletic Department is that they are joining a department where many teams experience considerable success," continued Webb. "Coaches work alongside incredibly successful coaches, student-athletes lift and train next to other student-athletes that are likely on teams ranked in the top 25, and all teams focus both on excellence athletically and on influencing others for Christ.  Every one of us in the department count it a privilege and a blessing to be here.  I believe the coaches and student-athletes that will form this program will as well."

Prospective student athletes with questions can email iwuwomensflagfootball@indwes.edu or fill out a recruiting form by clicking HERE.

Individuals interested in applying for the head coaching position can do so by clicking HERE.

NAC Approves Women's Flag Football as Invitational Sport


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