SUNY-Old Westbury Expands Athletic Offerings with Women’s Flag Football
SUNY-Old Westbury has announced the introduction of women’s flag football as an intercollegiate sport, set to commence in the 2025-26 academic year. This decision positions Old Westbury among six institutions participating in the Skyline Conference.
Leadership’s Vision
Timothy E. Sams, president of SUNY-Old Westbury, expressed enthusiasm for the new program. “With the dramatic increase in popularity of flag football across Long Island, and the nation, I am excited to announce Women’s Flag Football as our newest athletic offering,” he stated. “We already know through our other intercollegiate athletic programs the value of teamwork and the leadership skills that are crafted through competition. With this addition, we will be at the forefront of expanding another opportunity for women to succeed in and through sports.”
Program Development Timeline
The women’s flag football initiative will initially operate as a club-level program in the spring of 2026. Following this phase, it will elevate to varsity status by the spring of 2027. In preparation for this transition, the college plans to initiate a search for a head coach in May, with an announcement expected by summer.
Commitment to Inclusion
Lenore Walsh, director of athletics at SUNY-Old Westbury, highlighted the new sport’s role in promoting inclusivity. “Our athletic department is committed to providing valuable, exciting opportunities for our student-athletes,” she noted. “Our University’s mission seeks to promote greater accessibility and inclusivity, and that is true in athletics as much as academics. We’re eager to offer more opportunities for young women to compete at the collegiate level through the addition of women’s flag football.”
Growing Trend in Women’s Athletics
This announcement arrives shortly after the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics recommended that Divisions I, II, and III implement legislation to include flag football in the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. While these sports are recognized by the NCAA, they currently do not have sanctioned championship events. As of this year, approximately 65 schools are already offering women’s flag football at either the club or varsity level, with additional institutions expected to join in 2026.
For further details on SUNY-Old Westbury’s athletic programs, please visit the university’s official website.
