Take the Field: Hilbert Launches Women’s Flag Football

HAMBURG, NY — Female students who want to play flag football at Hilbert College will soon have a program to join. The college is adding the program at the varsity level, with its first season of competition in spring 2028. Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and in January the NCAA added it to its Emerging Sports for Women program.

Current Hilbert students don’t have to wait until 2028 to play. Club opportunities begin in the spring 2027 semester, with scrimmages planned against other schools in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). The program will also hold a nontraditional season in fall 2027.

“We are thrilled to add Women’s Flag Football to our sport offerings at Hilbert. The rapid growth of the sport, combined with the upcoming addition of our new turf field, creates a tremendous opportunity to build a competitive program and further enhance the student-athlete experience for current and future Hawks,” said Tim Seil, Vice President for Student Life and Athletics.

The opportunity starts with a place to play. Hilbert’s new multipurpose turf complex is going up on the site of the current practice field. It’s being built to regulation size for NCAA competition, and it’s expected to be ready in fall 2027, in time for the first varsity season. Student-athletes will call it home. Game days give everyone on campus a reason to turn out, and community members a reason to walk over and watch. The field and the program are a wise investment in Hilbert, and in the community Hilbert is a part of.

“Teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to shared goals are what employers want most, and few experiences teach them better than college athletics. Flag football gives more of our female student-athletes an opportunity to hone these strengths, and have a ton of fun along the way,” said Hilbert College Interim President Michael Cornell.

Recruitment starts now, and Hilbert expects to name a head coach soon. Club opportunities begin this spring semester, with a fully operational program planned for fall 2027. To get involved, contact the Office of Admissions.

Here’s what you’d be joining: Hilbert is the only four-year college in the Southtowns, a Franciscan college with affordable academic programs and personalized guidance. More than half of its students compete in Division III athletics, and now women’s flag football gives more women a place to play. The first roster is yours to build