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Building on the momentum of the fastest-growing sport in the world, Russell Sage College will launch an intercollegiate women’s flag football team for spring 2026, the first of its kind in the Capital Region.
“Flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the world, offering a level of accessibility and inclusivity that traditional football has not,” said Russell Sage College President Matthew Shaftel. “As an institution with roots in women’s empowerment and the top institution for social mobility in the Northeast today, we’re proud to be the first institution in the Capital Region to launch women’s flag football at the collegiate level. Along with many of our colleagues in the Empire 8 Conference, we’re excited to provide young women who have embraced the game in high school the opportunity to take their love of the sport to the next level.”
Flag football, which will make its Olympic debut in 2028, launched in Capital Region high schools just last spring, with 12 teams competing in Section II. According to the Times Union, “The New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s girls’ flag football pilot program started in 2022 with approximately 50 teams, while 185 teams played the sport this spring. According to a NYSPHSAA spokesperson, the number of teams participating around the state is expected to exceed 200 next spring.”
“We are thrilled to once again have Russell Sage on the front line of expanding opportunities for students, and particularly female students, by offering women’s flag football as our 22nd varsity sport,” said Russell Sage Director of Athletics Jim Lyons. “It is a privilege to be the Capital District’s first flag football program, and we look forward to working with Section II as we lay the groundwork for future expansion of this rapidly emerging sport.”
On a collegiate level, RSC will join four other Empire 8 Conference schools in adding the sport in 2025-2026. The other E8 members that will offer women’s flag football next year include SUNY Brockport, Elmira, SUNY Geneseo, and Hartwick.
The women’s flag football team at Russell Sage will become the 22nd athletic program at RSC, continuing the growth of the department. Since 2008, 17 teams have joined the fold, most recently baseball, eSports, and women’s golf in 2020.
“Sage Athletics is thrilled to sponsor flag football, added Trish Cellemme, Russell Sage’s vice president for student life. “We are excited that we can provide opportunities for our students to play and watch this exciting emerging women’s sport.”
An international search for the first head women’s flag football coach will begin soon.