MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Southern Arkansas University Athletics has announced the addition of women's flag football as its newest intercollegiate athletic program, with the Muleriders scheduled to begin competition in the spring of 2028.
The addition of women's flag football marks an exciting new chapter for Mulerider Athletics as Southern Arkansas continues its commitment to providing opportunities for female student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level.
"We are extremely excited to announce the addition of women's flag football at Southern Arkansas University," said SAU Director of Athletics Steve Browning. "This is a sport that is experiencing tremendous growth across the country, and we believe it will be a great addition to our athletic department. Most importantly, it gives more young women the opportunity to continue playing a sport they love while earning their college degree."
Women's flag football has emerged as one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with participation continuing to increase at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. The NCAA has recognized the sport through its Emerging Sports for Women program, creating a pathway toward future NCAA championship opportunities.
The sport will also make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, further highlighting its growing popularity and national recognition.
"The addition of women's flag football is an exciting opportunity for Southern Arkansas University and the young women who will have the chance to be part of this new program," said SAU President Dr. Bruno Hicks. "At SAU, we take great pride in providing our students with opportunities to pursue their passions while receiving a quality education. We look forward to welcoming our first women's flag football student-athletes to campus and watching this program become part of the proud tradition of Mulerider Athletics."
Flag football is played in a seven-on-seven format that emphasizes speed, athleticism, teamwork, and strategy. As the sport continues to expand, more opportunities are becoming available for female student-athletes to compete beyond the high school level.
"Anytime you have the opportunity to start a new program, there is a lot of excitement that comes with it," Browning continued. "We look forward to finding the right person to lead this program, recruiting our first group of student-athletes, and building something that our university and community can be proud of. We want to establish a program that will be competitive and represent Southern Arkansas University in a first-class manner."
SAU will begin a nationwide search for its inaugural head women's flag football coach, with an anticipated start date of January 2027. The new head coach will be responsible for building the program, recruiting its first roster, and preparing the Muleriders for their inaugural season in spring 2028.
Additional information regarding the program, including the announcement of its first head coach and future competition schedule, will be released as plans are finalized.
