Milwaukee, Wis. — Mount Mary University Athletics is proud to announce the addition of women's flag football as its newest varsity sport, with the inaugural season set to begin in the spring of 2027. With this addition, Mount Mary becomes the first NAIA institution in Wisconsin to offer women's varsity flag football with athletic scholarships. 

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, experiencing rapid expansion at youth, high school, and collegiate levels. The sport has gained significant momentum in recent years, with increased national visibility and growing opportunities for female student-athletes. Mount Mary's decision to add flag football reflects the University's commitment to providing innovative athletic opportunities and expanding access to competitive collegiate sports. Women's Flag Football has been an emerging sport in the NAIA since 2021. The NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee has approved Women's Flag Football as an Invitational sport beginning in the 2025-2026 season. There are currently 35 teams competing in Flag this spring of 2026 in the NAIA.  

The Blue Angels will compete during the spring season, joining a growing number of NAIA programs sponsoring women's flag football. The addition aligns with the NAIA's continued investment in emerging sports and its mission to foster participation, competition, and leadership opportunities for women in athletics. 

"I see the addition of women's flag football at Mount Mary as an opportunity to empower young women and provide them a platform to build confidence and leadership within a diverse setting," said Natalie Balleto, Director of Athletics. "Mount Mary recognizes the growing passion for this sport, and we are excited to be the first NAIA university in Wisconsin to offer athletic scholarships for flag football." 

University leadership echoed the significance of the addition. 

"Women's flag football represents the future of collegiate athletics, and we are proud to be part of that momentum," said Dr. Isabelle Cherney, President of Mount Mary University. "This offers a dynamic, inclusive, and fast-growing opportunity that aligns with our values and vision for the future." 

As the first NAIA school in Wisconsin to sponsor the sport, Mount Mary University aims to serve as a leader in the region, helping to grow the game and create new opportunities for student-athletes across the Midwest.  

A national search for staffing will begin immediately.  

For more information on recruitment, reach out to Emily Balaban, Athletics Recruiting Coordinator (balabane@mtmary.edu) 

View more information about NAIA Flag Football here 

For more information on Mount Mary University Athletics and the addition of women's flag football, visit mtmaryathletics.com and follow the Blue Angels on Instagram @mtmary.athletics @mmu_flag and Facebook @Mount Mary Athletics @Mount Mary University Flag Football