Alabama State University Makes History as the First Division I HBCU to Launch Women’s Flag Football

History isn’t just unfolding at Alabama State University—it’s being written in bold ink. In a landmark moment for college athletics, the Hornets have become the first Division I historically Black college and university (HBCU) to launch a women’s flag football program, setting a new precedent not only for HBCUs but for the broader collegiate sports landscape. The program, set to debut in the 2024–25 academic year, signals Alabama State’s growing reputation as a trailblazer—an institution willing to innovate, invest, and redefine opportunity for the next generation of female athletes.

A Sport on the Rise: Flag Football’s Rapid Ascent

Flag football is no longer a niche recreational activity. It’s a rapidly emerging competitive sport with national momentum, international recognition, and a clear future on the world stage. Few understand growth better than Alabama State’s newly appointed head coach—a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience guiding athletes from the grassroots level to elite competition. From watching the sport develop on dusty intramural fields to witnessing its explosive popularity, the coach now faces a defining moment: guiding the first Division I HBCU women’s flag football team in the country. Their mission is simple yet profound: to provide female student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level while pursuing their education and personal development.

Alabama Leads the Way

The state of Alabama has become fertile ground for flag football. After the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) approved the sport, more than 85 high schools added it to their athletic programs—culminating in the state’s first official championship last December. This dramatic rise created a pipeline of talented athletes eager for the next level. Now, for the first time, that pathway leads directly to Montgomery. With Alabama State stepping forward, female athletes no longer need to choose between passion and opportunity. They can now pursue both.

Aligning With a Global Shift

Women’s flag football is on a trajectory unlike that of any other emerging collegiate sport. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature flag football for the first time, bringing worldwide visibility and legitimacy. Meanwhile, the NCAA continues to evaluate its rapid growth at the high school, youth, and club levels. Alabama State’s decision positions the program at the forefront of a sport that is quickly becoming mainstream. For student-athletes eyeing Olympic dreams, professional aspirations, or simply a chance to compete at a high level, ASU is now a national destination.

Building a New Legacy in Montgomery

Excitement is already surging around campus as the Hornets prepare for their inaugural season this February. The foundation is strong, a proven head coach, a passionate administration, and a commitment to athlete development rooted in excellence. But what makes this moment historic isn’t just the launch of a new team.

It’s the message behind it.

Alabama State is making a statement: women’s sports deserve investment, visibility, and opportunity. The university is not waiting for the rest of the world to catch up, it’s leading.

A New Era Begins

As the first Division I HBCU to establish a women’s flag football program, Alabama State has opened a door that will not close. Other institutions will follow. High school girls across the South will dream bigger. And the sport itself will continue to evolve, driven by pioneers bold enough to envision a new future.

For now, though, all eyes turn to Montgomery—where history is not just being made, but lived.

And for women’s flag football, the future has never looked brighter.