CHICAGO – The Saint Xavier University athletic department will expand to 21 varsity programs with the addition of women's flag football that will start play in 2026-27. The Cougars are currently conducting a nation-wide search for a head coach.

There are currently 35 NAIA schools with women's flag football teams in 2025-26. This past summer, the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee approved women's flag football as an invitational sport for this academic year. Women's flag football was started in the NAIA as an emerging sport in 2021.
There are currently seven schools in Illinois with a women's flag football program: NCAA Division III Aurora University, Benedictine University-Lisle, Illinois College, Illinois Wesleyan University, North Park University and Rockford University. NCAA Division II Lewis University and University of Illinois-Springfield will also be starting teams in 2026-27. College of DuPage, at the junior college level, also fields a squad.

Athletic Director Ken Alston had this to say, "I am incredibly excited to announce the addition of women's flag football at our institution. This is an important step in expanding opportunities for our student athletes and continuing our commitment to growth, inclusion, and innovation in athletics. Women's flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we are proud to be part of that momentum. We look forward to welcoming talented student-athletes, building a competitive program, and creating new experiences that will inspire our campus and community."

From Saint Xavier University President Dr. Keith Elder, "Women's flag football is an exciting sport that is growing rapidly at the collegiate level. We look forward to welcoming the inaugural team to SXU!"