The University of Maryland Eastern Shore announces addition of women's flag football program
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) continues to expand opportunities for women in athletics, as university officials have announced the addition of women's flag football. The program is set to begin competition during the 2026–27 athletic year.
"We continue to be trailblazers in many ways at UMES," said President Anderson. "We are excited to create a new opportunity for student-athletes through the addition of women's flag football to our robust athletics program. I look forward to supporting our newest sport and believe our campus and surrounding community will fully embrace UMES women's flag football."
The introduction of women's flag football marks another major milestone for the university's athletics department, increasing its NCAA Division I sponsorship to 16 sports while reinforcing the institution's commitment to growth, inclusion, and student-athlete development.
The decision to add the sport aligns with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's (MEAC) recent announcement that it will sponsor women's flag football. Women's flag football and women's golf will both begin MEAC competition during the 2026–27 academic year, with conference championship events scheduled following the conclusion of their respective regular seasons.
"In alignment with the mission of UMES, we remain strategic in our efforts to expand programming and provide meaningful opportunities for student-athletes," said Vice President of Athletics Tara A. Owens. "It is especially exciting to compete in the MEAC while helping to promote the growth of women's flag football as an HBCU institution. We also look forward to contributing to the sport's development at the collegiate level and welcome members of our community to support this initiative."
The launch comes at a time when women's flag football is experiencing unprecedented national momentum. The sport has seen rapid growth at both the high school and collegiate levels, with more than 300 teams expected to compete nationwide during the 2026–27 academic year. Increased participation and student interest have fueled its emergence as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Women's flag football is also set to reach the global stage as it prepares to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games, further highlighting the sport's accelerating popularity and long-term potential.
Earlier this year, the NCAA took a significant step forward by voting to add women's flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program. The designation reflects growing institutional support and moves the sport closer to full NCAA championship status in the years ahead.
With continued growth, Olympic visibility on the horizon, and NCAA backing through the Emerging Sports for Women initiative, UMES women's flag football is poised to make an immediate impact when it takes the field during the 2026–27 season.
Additional details regarding coaching staff, recruiting, and scheduling will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT HAWK ATHLETICS
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program. The University currently fields teams in 15 sports: women's and men's volleyball, women's bowling, women's and men's golf, women's and men's cross country, women's and men's basketball, women's and men's indoor track & field, women's and men's outdoor track & field, softball, and baseball.
The UMES women's volleyball, bowling, basketball, softball, track & field, and cross country programs compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). UMES golf, baseball, and men's volleyball currently compete as members of the Northeast Conference (NEC).
