Syracuse Bobcats Announce Launch of Women’s Flag Football Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:  Maria Scalise, mfscalise@bryantstratton.edu | 585-752-6913  

                                                                                         Syracuse Bobcats Announce Launch of Women’s Flag Football Program 

(SYRACUSE, N.Y. 5/28/2026 ) — Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse Athletics is proud to announce the addition of women’s flag football as its newest athletic program. The team will begin competition at the club level during the 2026–2027 academic year before transitioning to varsity status in 2027–2028. 

Recruitment for prospective student-athletes is now underway. 

Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States at both the high school and collegiate levels. More than 20 states have officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity high school sport, and participation numbers continue to rise nationwide. At the collegiate level, institutions across the country are rapidly adding programs as the sport gains momentum through support from the NAIA, NCAA conferences, and professional organizations such as the NFL.  The addition of the program reflects the College’s commitment to expanding opportunities for female student-athletes while continuing to grow its athletic department and campus community. 

“We are excited to launch flag football as the next step in expanding opportunities for our student-athletes here in Syracuse,” said Clay Gagen-Sherman, Athletic Director. “As a college that is a champion of students, this program allows us to create new pathways for young women to compete, earn an education, and be part of a championship culture. Our goal is not just to participate, but to build a program that competes at a high level while delivering an exceptional student-athlete experience from day one.” 

A national search for the program’s inaugural head coach is currently underway, and the college is also exploring partnerships with local facilities and YMCA organizations for practice and competition opportunities. 

The addition of women’s flag football marks another significant step in the continued growth and visibility of Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse Athletics.  

For more information about Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse Athletics or recruitment opportunities for women’s flag football, please contact Clay Gagen-Sherman at csherman@bryantstratton.edu 

ABOUT BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE 

Founded in 1854, Bryant & Stratton College, a non-profit institution, has built its reputation and success on a commitment to excellence and high standards. For over 170 years, the College has offered students access to career-relevant education leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, business, education, human and legal services, and technology. Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Continuing Education department. Bryant & Stratton College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) www.msche.org. Bryant & Stratton College’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on 6/22/2017 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Bryant & Stratton College is committed to helping students succeed in their education and beyond.