Fort Worth, TX – Texas Wesleyan University is making history by launching its women's flag football program, becoming the first university in Texas to compete at the varsity level. This groundbreaking initiative positions Texas Wesleyan at the forefront of women's sports and aligns with the rapid growth of flag football nationwide. 

“We are incredibly excited to add women’s flag football to our athletic program,” said Dr. Emily Messer, President of Texas Wesleyan University. “This exciting new athletic program aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our student-athletes and to making a positive impact on our community. By offering this unique sport, we hope to inspire young girls and women to pursue their athletic dreams and combine them with a world-class education at Texas Wesleyan." 

The team is set to debut in the spring 2026 season with a roster of 25 to 30 student-athletes and will compete nationwide. The University is actively searching for a head coach to lead the program. 

The launch of this program comes at an exciting time for women's flag football. With the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Texas Wesleyan is poised to develop top-tier talent and hopes to contribute to the success of Team USA. Additionally, in 2023, nearly half a million girls between ages six and 17 played flag football, which was up 63% from 2019.  

Marjorie Herrera Lewis, Commissioner of the Women’s Pro Flag Football League and a Fort Worth resident, has also generously donated to fund the team’s startup costs. 

“I am thrilled that Texas Wesleyan is adding women’s flag football to its sports program. Flag football is fast becoming one of the most popular participation sports in the country, and once again, Texas Wesleyan is ahead of the curve,” said Lewis. “I’m happy to make this donation and plan to attend games for many years. What a thrill it is to be at the ground floor of bringing this sports opportunity for women to the campus. What’d I’d give to be a couple decades younger!” 

"We're excited to elevate women's flag football to new heights here in Texas as well as nationally. As the sport continues to grow, Texas Wesleyan University is proud to be at the forefront, preparing our student-athletes for the future, including the 2028 Olympics," said Ricky Dotson, athletic director for Texas Wesleyan University. 

The program will also allow student-athletes to showcase their talents on the grand stage of the Karen Cramer Athletic Stadium. Once completed, the stadium will serve as the home field for the women's flag football team, providing them with a state-of-the-art facility to compete and inspire future generations of athletes.