A new opportunity awaits Villa Maria’s female student-athletes when they return to campus in August for the Fall 2023 semester: flag football.
Women’s flag football is a fast-growing sport across the country, and especially here in the Buffalo area. There are nearly 50 teams competing at the high school level in Western New York, and the participation level continues to grow each year. Villa Maria College is a pioneer in the area, offering the first inter-collegiate women’s flag football team in Western New York.
“We are thrilled to offer this sport at the collegiate level for female student-athletes who want to compete at a high level and pursue higher education,” said Brian Emerson, Executive Vice President at the College. “Villa Maria prides itself on removing barriers to education and providing opportunity for all people – starting women’s flag football is another way we can expand college opportunities,” he added.
The launch of flag football broadens the College’s athletic offering and provides students with varying athletic interests and abilities an additional opportunity to get involved on campus. It also aligns with Villa Maria’s ongoing commitment to providing its students with a holistic education that includes a diverse – and growing – range of extracurricular activities that support their personal growth as well as their academic growth.
“Women’s Flag Football is changing the landscape of sports and athletic opportunities for young women across North America,” said Keith Wing, the team’s inaugural head coach. “It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the vision that Villa Maria has for flag football in Western New York and beyond.”
One of the strongest local supporters of girl’s flag football are the Buffalo Bills. Information about the Bills commitment to flag football can here found online here: https://www.buffalobills.com/community/girls-flag-football
When asked what Coach Wing is most excited about with starting women’s flag football, his response was emphatic: “We are making history!”
Students interested in joining Villa Maria’s flag football team should contact Coach Wing by phone: 585-455-4493 or by email: [email protected]. To learn more about the Vikings athletics program, please visit www.villavikings.com.
