University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
FOOTBALL IS BACK...UNC Asheville Athletics Adds Women’s Flag Football as Club Sport with Pathway to Varsity Status
02.03.2026 | General
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Athletics and Student Affairs announced on Tuesday, Feb. 3, the addition of women's flag football, which will debut as a club sport beginning the fall of 2026 with plans to integrate the program into a varsity intercollegiate sport in the future.
The move aligns with national momentum surrounding the sport, as the NCAA recently recommended flag football be elevated to the Emerging Sports for Women category. In addition, several Big South Conference institutions have recently announced plans to add women's flag football. The sport is scheduled to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, further solidifying its rapid growth and global recognition.
"We are excited to introduce women's flag football at UNC Asheville and provide another competitive opportunity for students to compete at the collegiate level," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "Thanks to our colleagues in Student Affairs, we are starting a club program which allows us to build a strong foundation, grow participation, and position the sport for long-term success as a varsity program."
The club program will compete during the fall season and focus on recruitment, skill development, and regional competition while laying the groundwork for future varsity status. As participation and infrastructure continue to grow, UNC Asheville Athletics will evaluate the timeline for transitioning the program to full varsity competition.
"Women's flag football creates a powerful new space for students to lead, compete, and build community. This program is about expanding opportunity, honoring the momentum of women's athletics, and ensuring that students see UNC Asheville as a place where their passion, talent, and ambition can advance in the classroom and on the field," said Dr. Meghan Harte Weyant, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
"As women's flag football continues to expand across the country, we are launching this program as a club with a clear vision for growth, intentionally building a strong foundation to position UNC Asheville as the leader and heartbeat of women's flag football in Western North Carolina."
The addition of flag football supports UNC Asheville's continued commitment to expanding opportunities for women in athletics and staying at the forefront of emerging collegiate sports.
More information regarding tryouts, schedules, and program leadership will be announced at a later date.
