TIGERVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – North Greenville University announced the addition of women’s flag football.
The university said women’s flag football will become its 21st NCAA-sponsored athletic program when competition begins in the 2027-28 academic year.
“We are excited to see strategic growth in NGU’s athletics programming, with this emerging sport coming to campus,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Women’s flag football has exploded in participation at the high school level, and we believe that this will provide a new pathway for some of these scholar-athletes to pursue degrees and cultivate the kind of life skills and disciplines that will cultivate successful transformational leaders for church and society.”
The university joins the University of South Carolina Upstate in adding the sport to its athletic program. USC Upstate added women’s flag football to its athletic program back in February.
The NCAA voted to establish the sport as an Emerging Sport during its 2026 convention.
The university said women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Interest has been fueled by increasing high school participation, support from the National Football League and the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The university said it will bring its inaugural recruiting class to campus in fall 2027. The team is scheduled to officially begin competing in Conference Carolinas during the spring 2028 season.
“I’m excited about the opportunity ahead for our athletic department and this program,” said NGU Athletic Director Will Lowrey. “We believe we have the resources and foundation necessary to compete at a high level, but ultimately, success will be determined by the leadership and culture we establish. Our focus will be on recruiting young women who demonstrate strong character, competitive skill, and academic excellence, while remaining committed to developing the whole person — mind, body, and soul.”
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with FOX Carolina. For more free content like this, download our apps.
Copyright 2026 WHNS. All rights reserved.
