Anna 
SUNY Brockport is set to make history by introducing a women’s varsity flag football team next year, a move that marks a major development for the university’s athletic department.
The announcement comes as the club team, founded by Kat Althouse and Cymbri Jefferson, prepares to elevate its status to varsity and compete in the Empire Eight Conference. The new program will join other SUNY schools, including Geneseo, Hartwick, Sage, and Elmira, in the emerging collegiate sport.
“I think flag football is just a great thing,” said Althouse. “I’ve been a football fan for a long time, so getting the chance to play it and offering other women the opportunity to take the field has been a personal mission of mine.”
Jefferson echoed the sentiment, celebrating the sport’s growing popularity. “It’s amazing how something that wasn’t widely talked about is now booming,” she said. “It’s really special, especially considering the process we’re going through, like having it announced as a varsity sport.”
The recent NFL promotion of girls’ flag football during a Super Bowl Sunday advertisement has brought increased attention to the sport. Althouse shared her excitement for the national spotlight, saying, “Honestly, I’ve been overwhelmed with joy. This has been something I’ve poured a lot of time and passion into. And I love that women’s sports are continuing to grow.”
Both Althouse and Jefferson are eager to see their hard work come to life. “It’s all happening so fast,” said Jefferson. “Next semester, next school year—that’s when it starts. We’ll both be here to see it become exactly what we’ve envisioned.”
To support the launch, university officials are conducting a nationwide search for the program’s first head coach. An informational session for students interested in joining the new team is scheduled for Thursday night at 7 p.m.
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