(HONOLULU) — Hawaiʻi Pacific University Athletics (HPU) is launching women's flag football this fall, becoming the first university in Hawaiʻi to offer the sport at the collegiate level. The addition brings HPU's NCAA Division II program to 11 women's sports, alongside six men's sports and co-ed cheer.

Women's flag football was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January 2026, creating a pathway toward future NCAA championship status. The sport is one of the fastest-growing in the United States at the youth, high school and collegiate levels and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

"This is a great day for HPU and for women's athletics in Hawaiʻi," said HPU Executive Director of Athletics Debbie Snell, Ed.D. "Flag football expands opportunities for our female student-athletes and adds even more energy and passion to campus life. We're proud to be the first university in the state to offer it at the collegiate level."

Flag football already has a strong foundation in Hawaiʻi high school athletics, with 24 schools across Division I and Division II sponsoring the sport statewide.

The game is played seven-on-seven on an 80-yard by 40-yard field with 10-yard end zones. Instead of tackling, defenders stop plays by pulling flags from the ball carrier. With no blocking or hitting, the sport emphasizes speed, skill and strategy while creating a fast-paced and high-scoring game.

HPU is expected to compete within the Pacific West Conference, pending scheduling opportunities, while also exploring matchups against post-high-school leagues, Oʻahu club teams and PacWest affiliate members. Additional program details will be announced as they become available.

HPU will welcome its first flag football student-athletes this fall, with practices taking place on the field adjacent to Shark Tank. An announcement regarding the program's inaugural head coach will be made at a later date.

Prospective student-athletes are encouraged to apply to HPU and identify themselves to admissions as flag football recruits. For more information, email athletics@hpu.edu or leave a voicemail for Dr. Snell at (808) 544-0209.

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