COLUMBUS, Ohio – Capital University's President, Dr. Jared Tice and Director of Athletics, Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. have announced the addition of Women's Flag Football. The new program is set to launch during the 2027-28 academic year. The first season of competition is slated for Spring 2028. 

"Adding women's flag football at Capital is about much more than adding another team," stated Dr. Jared Tice. "It is about creating opportunity at a moment when girls and women across Ohio are embracing this sport in extraordinary numbers. Columbus has made a bold commitment through IgniteHER to become a national leader in advancing women's sports, and Capital is proud to contribute to that momentum. As flag football grows from youth programs and high schools to collegiate and Olympic competition, we have an opportunity to create another pathway here in Central Ohio for talented student-athletes to continue competing, leading, and growing. This is exactly the kind of student-centered, forward-looking investment that reflects who Capital is and where we are headed." 

"We are thrilled to bring women's flag football to Capital University beginning in Fall 2027," said Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. "This addition aligns with our strategic vision to provide meaningful participation opportunities and embrace the momentum as the sport continues to accelerate across Ohio and nationwide. Adding women's flag football is an exciting step forward for Capital Athletics."

Across all of NCAA Division III, flag football continues to grow, with more teams than any other division. The NCAA has even taken the added step to make Flag Football an Emerging Sport, recognizing it as a rapidly growing sport across the country. More than 70 varsity teams and 20 club teams are already scheduled to compete during the upcoming 2026–27 academic year in Division III. In addition to the NCAA, flag football is growing internationally and within the state of Ohio. Recently, the Ohio High School Athletic Association fully sanctioned flag football and 162 high school teams are competing across the state. Additionally, the sport will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. 

The addition of a new women's sport also directly connects Capital University with the City of Columbus' IgniteHER Columbus initiative that is designed to keep girls and women participating in sports longer, develop the next generation of women leaders, and strengthen Columbus as a national center for women's athletics. 

This expansion brings Capital University's total number of athletic offerings up to 24. Flag Football will mark the 12th women's program, while the university also sponsors 11 men's programs and one coed program. 

Anyone interested in supporting the student-athlete experience get off the ground with Capital Women's Flag Football can do so as part of the 2026 All In For Capital Giving Challenge which is currently underway or by contacting the Capital University Advancement office at gifts@capital.edu. 

Recruitment and enrollment for Flag Football will begin prior to the fall season of 2027. Both prospective and current students interested in the women's flag football program are encouraged to complete the Student Interest Form. Additional student centered questions may be directed to Dustin Rudegeair, Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation. 

Additionally, interested coaching candidates wanting to express interest in the new program are also encouraged to contact Dustin Rudegeair, Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation.

"The addition of women's flag football is part of a broader investment in the Capital student-athlete experience," continued Dr. Tice. "The University will add athletic training capacity to provide enhanced support for its growing number of student-athletes and will recondition the South lawn athletic field into a competition-quality, natural grass surface. The upgraded field will provide an additional high-quality practice and competition venue for Capital's outdoor field programs, increasing flexibility across the University's athletic facilities and supporting the continued growth of Comet Athletics."

Capital University looks forward to welcoming Women's Flag Football to its athletic program while establishing a strong foundation for the team's future success.