Women's Flag Football Coming to Missouri Valley in 2026-27 Athletic Year

Marshall, Mo., (Dec. 3, 2025)- Missouri Valley College is adding flag football to its intercollegiate athletics lineup beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The team will officially begin competition in spring of 2027.

"This is such a great opportunity for young women in this region to get their college education," said MVC Vice President of Athletics Marsha Lashley. "Adding flag football opens up more opportunities for student-athletes and enriches our campus life." 

The game of flag football is growing in popularity across the country, and offers a dynamic and fast-paced alternative to traditional football. MVC President Joe Parisi has taken a personal interest in building a women's flag football program, and the NAIA recently moved flag football from emerging sport status to invitational sport.

Parisi announced to the athletic department in the spring that the college intended to start the program at Missouri Valley. He said the next step in hiring a head coach to launch the program's recruitment efforts.

At Valley, student-athletes in the program will have access to the same resources as all other sports at the college, including athletic training, strength and conditioning and academic support.

Momentum for flag football is building at the high school level as well, and the NFL has supported its development in many cities. Prospective students and student-athletes interested in learning more about the new program, scholarship availability, or recruiting opportunities are encouraged to contact the Viking Athletic Department.

About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.