New Sport, New Opportunities: Bridgewater College Joins the Flag Football Movement

Bridgewater College is stepping up its game by introducing women's flag football as a varsity sport. This new addition will kick off in the 2026-2027 academic year, according to a recent announcement. The college is no stranger to providing opportunities for students. This move is part of their ongoing effort to offer more athletic choices. The president, David Bushman, expressed excitement about this new venture. He believes it will inspire young women in the community and beyond. Flag football is gaining popularity across the country. There are already over 200 women's teams at colleges and universities. Some big names in Division 1, like UVA and Radford, have club teams. At the Division 3 level, schools like Hollins and Virginia Wesleyan already have teams. Bridgewater College is joining Guilford in adding the sport for the 2026-2027 season. The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) is also taking notice. More schools are considering adding flag football. This could lead to a conference championship in the future. Brad Bankston, the ODAC commissioner, is thrilled about this growth. He sees it as a big step forward for women's sports. The NFL is playing a significant role in the sport's growth. They are funding women's flag football at the grassroots level. Seventeen states now have high school girls' flag football programs. The Washington Commanders are supporting the sport's growth in the DMV area. Dan Levy, the director of youth football for the Washington Commanders, is excited about the sport's traction. He sees Bridgewater College's commitment as a reflection of this momentum. The college's athletics director, Curt Kendall, is also enthusiastic. He believes the team can be competitive from the start. This new sport offers another athletic opportunity for women at Bridgewater College. It's a chance for female high school student-athletes in the region to be part of something new and exciting.