Mount Mary University to Add Women’s Flag Football as New Varsity Sport
Mount Mary University to Add Women’s Flag Football as New Varsity Sport Jan. 27, 2026 (Milwaukee, Wis). — Mount Mary University Athletics is proud to announce the addition of women’s flag football as its newest varsity sport, with the inaugural season set to begin in the spring of 2027. With this addition, Mount Mary becomes the first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member institution in Wisconsin to offer women’s varsity flag football with athletic scholarships. Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, experiencing rapid expansion at youth, high school and collegiate levels. The sport has gained significant momentum in recent years, with increased national visibility and growing opportunities for female student-athletes. As of spring 2026, 35 NAIA teams are currently competing in flag football.
The addition aligns with the NAIA’s continued investment in emerging sports and its mission to foster participation, competition and leadership opportunities for women in athletics. “I see the addition of women’s flag football at Mount Mary as an opportunity to empower young women and provide them a platform to build confidence and leadership within a diverse setting,” said Natalie Balleto, Director of Athletics. “Mount Mary recognizes the growing passion for this sport, and we are excited to be the first NAIA university in Wisconsin to offer athletic scholarships for flag football.” As the first NAIA school in Wisconsin to sponsor the sport, Mount Mary University aims to serve as a leader in the region, helping to grow the game and create new opportunities for student-athletes across the Midwest.
A national search for staffing will begin immediately.
For more information on recruitment, reach out to Emily Balaban, Athletics Recruiting Coordinator (balabane@mtmary.edu) or visit mtmaryathletics.com.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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