Triton College Adds Women’s Flag Football to Athletic Program Lineup
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College is excited to announce the addition of women’s flag football to its lineup of athletic programs. The expansion reflects both the college’s commitment to student engagement and the rising popularity of flag football as a competitive sport for women.
The launch of the new team is supported by a $5,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and Reigning Champs Experiences.
“I am pleased to announce the launch of Triton College Trojans Women’s Flag Football,” said Triton College President Mary-Rita Moore. “The decision supports strategic enrollment and athletic program growth for our institution. Equally important is that this investment supports our community’s passion for Trojan athletics and the growing interest nationwide in flag football as an emerging sport for women. This is how a public community college can make a positive difference in the lives of our students.”
Competition will begin in Spring 2026.
“This is exciting news for Triton Athletics,” said Garrick Abezetian, Associate Vice President of Triton College Athletics. “Flag football has seen immense popularity recently, and this is an opportunity for us to contribute to that movement and offer more for Triton students and our community. I can’t wait to see everyone out on the field.”
Women’s flag football has experienced rapid growth in popularity across the United States and beyond, driven by increased participation, accessible leagues, and the backing of organizations like the NFL. Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, where both men’s and women’s teams are expected to compete.
At least 65 colleges already sponsor flag football at the club or varsity level, according to NFL FLAG.
"The NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all," said Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. "The values, fun and competitive environment of football can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who wishes to participate. It is exciting to see junior colleges offer NFL FLAG as a varsity sport to female athletes."
Athletics are an important part of student life at Triton College. The college currently fields ten intercollegiate sports teams: soccer, basketball, wrestling, baseball, and track for men, and soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track for women. Triton College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and competes independently within Region IV, which covers NJCAA schools in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” stated Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time.”
With this exciting new addition to Trojan athletics, RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese noted that flag football athletes will acquire unique skills which, coupled with their academic journey at Triton College, will prepare them for a bright future.
"RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports," said Reese. "Through NJCAA women's flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, they'll earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college."
Triton teams and athletes are known to make their mark on the national stage.
The Division I Men’s Basketball team is still riding high after an outstanding run,
having won the Region 4 Championship earlier this year and being ranked in the top
10 nationally for most of the season. Just last year, the Trojans earned a national
runner-up finish in the 2024 NJCAA DI tournament. Triton athlete Ava Connerty made
school history this spring when she captured a national title in the 100-meter hurdles
at the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Connerty became the
first women’s track athlete from Triton to win an individual national title.
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success.
Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students
to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The
college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite
locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and
staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities
to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community
Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more
at triton.edu.
ABOUT NJCAA FOUNDATION
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
ABOUT RCX SPORTS
RCX Sports is the premier youth-sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments and events.
RCX works with professional leagues, national governing bodies, sports-centric businesses and brands to reimagine youth sports experiences. RCX produces events with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com and the 2022 World Games.
RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by enhancing the youth sports experience and creating opportunities for all athletes to play. We believe sports have the power to transform lives and that every athlete should have the opportunity to experience the value of sports. For more information, visit www.rcxsports.com.
ABOUT NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.