Jackson State Community College (JSCC) is making history as the first two-year institution in Tennessee and one of the pioneering ten in the United States to introduce women’s flag football. This exciting development is set to take effect in Spring 2027, marking a significant advancement in women’s athletics within the state and beyond.
The initiative is bolstered by a grant of $5,000 from the NJCAA Foundation, in cooperation with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports. This funding is part of a broader national initiative aimed at promoting flag football at two-year colleges, opening new avenues for female athletes.
“We are honored to be selected for this grant and thrilled to introduce flag football at Jackson State,” commented Dr. Kevin K. Lynum, Athletic Director at JSCC. “Becoming the first two-year college in Tennessee to offer this sport is a testament to our vision of innovation, opportunity, and equity in athletics. We are positioning our students to compete at a high level—regionally and nationally.”
JSCC President Dr. Carol Rothstein also emphasized the institution’s commitment to providing exceptional athletic opportunities. “We are dedicated to being a destination for top talent across the region and country. The addition of women’s flag football offers another platform for our student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level,” she stated.
Andrew Givens, Executive Director of the NJCAA Foundation, highlighted the significance of this development. “The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields. This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level, and we are fortunate to work with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time,” he remarked.
The incorporation of flag football enables Jackson State to engage with both four-year institutions and other NJCAA colleges that offer the sport. This expansion will not only enhance visibility and competitive choices for the athletes but also provide pathways to national championships, thereby elevating the college’s athletic stature.
Implementing this program will allow the Green Jays to compete on a larger stage, showcasing their skills against bigger institutions in the region. Plans are underway for a national search to appoint the inaugural head coach, along with recruitment and program development set for the 2025–26 academic year.
Flag football is recognized as one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., experiencing robust support from institutions and organizations alike. With this addition, Jackson State continues to lead by fostering growth, innovation, and opportunities in collegiate athletics.
About the NJCAA Foundation
The NJCAA Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the NJCAA national organization, supporting student-athletes, member colleges, and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives, and community service.
About RCX Sports
RCX Sports operates as a premier provider of youth sports experiences, managing leagues, camps, tournaments, and events. They collaborate with professional leagues, national governing organizations, and sports-related businesses to improve youth sports experiences and ensure accessibility for all athletes. Further information can be found at RCX Sports.
About NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property encompassing more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. The program promotes non-contact football for both boys and girls aged 5-17, providing benefits such as physical fitness and lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports manages NFL FLAG.
