Wiley University Adds Women’s Flag Football, Ushering in New Era of Opportunity

Marshall, Texas — Wiley University has officially launched Women’s Flag Football, a historic addition that will expand the school’s athletic offerings to 19 varsity programs and establish a record 10 women’s sports in the university’s history. Recruiting for the inaugural roster begins immediately, with full varsity competition targeted for the 2027–28 academic year.

The announcement, delivered during a recent campus chapel service, positions Wiley as the third member of the HBCU Athletic Conference to adopt the sport, following Stillman College and Wilberforce University. The move arrives amid a national surge in women’s flag football at the collegiate level and aligns with Wiley’s broader mission to advance gender equity and student opportunity.

“This is about more than adding another sport,” said Darrius Brooks, Ph.D., Director of Athletics. “It is about creating new pathways for women, meeting the moment of a growing national movement, and ensuring our students have access to opportunities that reflect both their interests and their potential.”

For students like sophomore Kori Bacon, the news opened an unexpected door. A lifelong Seattle Seahawks fan and former JV basketball player, Bacon said she “never thought I would get to play competitively” but now plans to try out for the new squad. “This gives women the opportunity to eventually make a living in the sport they love,” she added.

Fellow sophomore Tamara Dilworth, a Physical Education major who grew up practicing routes with her brother, views the program as a chance to help build something lasting. “Having the opportunity to help build women’s flag football at Wiley University means being part of something bigger than myself,” Dilworth said. “It gives me the chance to help create new opportunities for women to compete, grow, and showcase their talent.”

Dilworth, who also plays basketball, hopes the team will generate scholarships and exposure for female athletes while encouraging them to “step out of their comfort zone.” After graduation she intends to teach and coach, using sport as a vehicle to instill confidence and leadership in the next generation.

The launch comes during Women’s History Month and follows high-profile milestones for women in football, including Toni Harris becoming the first female non-kicker to earn a college football scholarship and Autumn Lockwood becoming the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. Wiley’s entry into the space builds on that momentum while creating a direct pipeline for its own students to shape the future of the game.

With construction of the program now under way, Wiley University continues to invest in experiences that empower students to lead, compete, and thrive—demonstrating that when institutions intentionally create space, women do more than participate; they excel, they lead, and they leave a legacy.

Prospective athletes interested in joining the inaugural Women’s Flag Football team can contact Darrius Brooks at darbrooks@wileyc.edu or 903-927-3294. Additional information about Wiley Athletics is available at www.wileyathletics.com.