Quincy University Athletics has announced the addition of women’s flag football as the university’s newest varsity sport, with the program set to begin competition during the 2027-2028 academic year.
The addition of women’s flag football will bring Quincy’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to 29 varsity programs overall and 15 women’s sports offerings. This announcement marks the first expansion of QU’s athletic offerings since the addition of STUNT, a women’s sport that completed its inaugural season at QU in 2025.
Quincy University will immediately begin a national search for the women’s flag football program’s first head coach. The head coach will lead recruiting efforts ahead of the arrival of the inaugural recruiting class on campus in the fall of 2027.
“Given the rapid growth of girls’ flag football in Illinois high schools and nationwide, the addition of this sport at Quincy University was almost inevitable,” said Brian McGee, PhD, QU president. “Quincy University is delighted to offer new opportunities to student-athletes, as we respond to the changing landscape for intercollegiate athletics.”
Women’s flag football continues to experience rapid growth across the country at both the high school and collegiate levels. In Illinois alone, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) officially sanctioned girls flag football in 2024, and the sport has quickly expanded to more than 200 participating high schools statewide.
The growth has also reached the collegiate level, as institutions across the Midwest continue to add women’s flag football programs. Quincy joins a growing list of NCAA institutions investing in the sport as momentum continues to build nationally.
In February 2025, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics recommended women’s flag football for Emerging Sports for Women status, an important step toward becoming an NCAA championship sport in the future. The sport also is scheduled to debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Launching women’s flag football at Quincy University is an exciting step forward for our Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and our university as a whole,” said Josh Rabe, QU athletic director. “This sport is experiencing tremendous growth across the country, and we are proud to provide new opportunities for female student-athletes to compete, lead, and represent Quincy University. Women’s flag football aligns with our commitment to expanding opportunities and continuing to position Quincy University as a forward-thinking institution in collegiate athletics.”
Additional details regarding coaching staff, recruiting information, scheduling, and competition plans will be announced at a later date.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.