¶¶Ņõpro

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¶¶Ņõpro to launch womenā€™s flag football as a varsity sport

12.09.2024

¶¶Ņõpro is excited to announce the addition of womenā€™s flag football to the varsity sports roster. The new team is set to begin competition in the upcoming academic year.

ā€œWe are thrilled to build on ¶¶Ņõproā€™s tradition of supporting womenā€™s athletics with the introduction of flag football,ā€ said President Barbara A. Farley. ā€œThis new program highlights our commitment to expanding student opportunities and recognizing diverse talents. I am confident it will play a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant future for our students.ā€

A Fast-Growing Sport with Strong Support
Backed by the , womenā€™s flag football is rapidly growing across the U.S. In February 2024, the (IHSA) introduced girlsā€™ flag football as an official sport, hosting its first state championship in October. Currently, over 125 Illinois high school teams compete, with nearly 100 more expected to join soon.

ā€œWeā€™re excited to expand our athletic offerings with the addition of womenā€™s flag football,ā€ said Meghan Roman, director of athletics at ¶¶Ņõpro. ā€œAs one of the fastest-growing high school sports in Illinois and nationwide, it aligns perfectly with our mission to provide competitive, championship-level opportunities for our students.ā€

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Flag football is just the latest in ICā€™s innovative approach to building opportunities for student success. Academic excellence meets a vibrant campus community at ¶¶Ņõpro, making it an exciting place to call home. Student-athletes find the world-class facilities of Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center perfect for honing skills, staying active, and building friendships. Beyond the field, access to internships and hands-on learning ensures students Graduate READY for success in an ever-changing world. For nearly 200 years, ICā€™s visionary approach to education has inspired achievement and empowered students to make a difference in the world. 

¶¶Ņõpro the Sport
Flag football is a 7-on-7 game played on a field measuring 40 yards wide by 80 yards long. Teams advance the ball through running or passing, while defenders aim to "tackle" players by pulling flags attached to their belts. The official competition season runs from February to May with home games played on the turf field in ¶¶Ņõproā€™s .

Expanding Opportunities in Higher Education
¶¶Ņõpro will be the fifth Division III institution in Illinois to offer womenā€™s flag football. With its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, the sportā€™s global popularity is expected to surge even further.

Recruitment Opportunities
Current and prospective students interested in joining the IC Lady Blues Flag Football team are encouraged to fill out the or contact Lady Blues Flag Football head coach, for additional information.
 

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Founded in 1829, ¶¶Ņõpro is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. The college is located in Jacksonville, Illinois. With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, the college offers over 50 undergraduate programs. In 1932, the society of Phi Beta Kappa established a chapter at ¶¶Ņõpro, and it remains one of only 11 in the state.

¶¶Ņõpro is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu