Marian University Launches Women's Flag Football Team

Marian University in Fond du Lac has announced the introduction of women's flag football, making it the first four-year institution in Wisconsin to offer the sport, with competition beginning in spring 2026. This initiative is part of a broader trend, as flag football has seen a significant increase in participation among girls aged 6 to 17, reaching approximately 500,000 players in 2023, a 63% rise since 2019. The sport's growing popularity is further bolstered by its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Athletic Director Tony Draves emphasized that this addition aims to attract more female student-athletes and enhance the university's enrollment efforts. Marian joins at least 30 other institutions nationally that are sponsoring women's flag football, reflecting a nationwide emphasis on expanding opportunities for female athletes. The university is currently in the process of hiring a coach for the new team.