Participating Schools 

SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) – Lourdes University Athletic Director Jo Ann Gordon announced Thursday, February 6, that the university will add women's flag football as its newest varsity sport. The Gray Wolves will become the first NAIA women's flag football program in the state of Ohio and look to begin competition in the 2026-2027 season.

Women's flag football is currently recognized as an emerging sport within the NAIA. Lourdes will become the second program in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) to offer the sport. Nationwide, 23 NAIA schools have already implemented women's flag football, with more expected to follow. The NAIA requires 40 teams and final approval to grant the sport full championship status.

"It is exciting to watch the growth of women's flag football, and we look forward to seeing additional institutions across the country follow suit," Gordon said.

Lourdes will launch a national search for a head coach immediately. The inaugural class of student-athletes is expected to arrive on campus in the fall of 2026 in preparation for the first competitive season in the spring of 2027. With the addition of flag football, Lourdes will now offer 10 women's athletic programs.

Stay tuned for more updates. Visit www.lourdesathletics.com or follow @LourdesAthletics on social media for the latest information.