SXU To Debut Women's Flag Football Program In Spring 2027, Taps New Head Coach

CHICAGO—Starting next spring, Saint Xavier University will launch a new women’s flag football program, making it the 21st varsity sport for SXU's athletics program. The college has tapped Wade Bittner as head coach, who is charged with putting the inaugural program together.

Women's flag football is the non-contact version of American football. The game is played on a shorter, narrower field with seven players on each team. Players are equipped with belts filled with flags, which the opposing team attempts to retrieve. Women's flag football is surging in popularity across the United States, and SXU joins some of the first colleges and universities in Illinois to begin competition in 2026-2027.

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Flag football was recently approved by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as an invitational sport at the championship level. There are currently 35 schools in the NAIA competing in flag football, with more expected to be added.

"As SXU seeks to continually innovate, the sport, which is rapidly growing in Illinois, is an ideal addition to our list of varsity teams. I am constantly looking for new ways to grow the athletics program and enhance the student-athlete experience," SXU athletic director Kenyan Alston said in a news release.

Bittner was appointed flag football coach after a rigorous search.

“We landed on a phenomenal candidate [Bittner], who started the women's flag football program at St. Laurence High School and has successfully completed three seasons and achieved two regional championships,” Ashton added. “We are confident he will bring that same energy and expertise to SXU.”

Bittner has been a consistent volunteer at various flag football clinics, skills camps, and outreach programs across the Chicagoland area, with a dedicated focus on player development and culture.

“We are excited for the challenge and opportunity that leading a first-year program will bring,” Bittner said. “The goal is to grow this program over time into a competitive team with a foundation based on creating culture and gaining respect as a program.”

The SXU Cougars have yet to announce whether they will join a conference or play as an independent for the 2027 campaign. In addition to the current programs, other area schools, including Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) and Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) are also fielding teams in 2027, along with nearly 20 other colleges and universities, putting the total number of NAIA teams over 50 for next season.

SXU’s varsity women's flag football program is beginning outreach for all aspiring athletes. The first season of competition will begin in spring 2027. To learn more, visit SXU Athletics or email KAlston@sxu.edu.