Dean College Announces Addition of Women’s Flag Football

FRANKLIN, Mass. Dean College is expanding its athletic offerings with addition of women’s flag football, becoming just the third NCAA-sanctioned institution in Massachusetts to introduce the rapidly growing sport. The program will officially become the College’s ninth women’s-sponsored sport.

The addition of women’s flag football reflects Dean College’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes while providing a diverse & inclusive athletics experience. It also positions the College at the forefront of one of the fastest growing emerging sports in the country.

“We’re proud to introduce women’s flag football and continue expanding our athletic programs in meaningful ways,” Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Geoff Lerner said. “This addition underscores our dedication to providing new opportunities for student athletes while embracing the growth of emerging collegiate sports. We’re excited to get started and build a competitive program from the ground up.”

Women’s flag football has seen rapid growth nationwide, with colleges and universities across the country beginning to sponsor the sport at the collegiate level. In January, the NCAA recognized women’s flag football as an emerging sport for women, further signaling its growing popularity at the collegiate level.

Dean women’s flag football will begin as a club sport in 2026 and will transition to NCAA competition starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

The Department of Athletics & Recreation has officially launched its search for the program’s inaugural head coach, marketing the next step in building Dean’s newest competitive team.

Additional detail about recruiting, program development and competition timelines will be announced in the coming months.  

To receive new information about women’s flag football at Dean College, please contact Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Geoff Lerner via email at glerner@dean.edu.