LANCASTER, Pa. - Interim Commissioner Rebecca Mullen and the Atlantic East Conference are proud to announce Holy Family University will be joining the conference as an associate member in Women’s Flag Football, for the spring of 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Holy Family and continue to grow women’s flag football in the Atlantic East,” said Mullen. “I am looking forward to starting regular season games and our second championship in the spring of 2025.”

Holy Family is adding women’s flag football to be the sixth new sport across the last two years. These other new additions include baseball, women’s bowling, cheerleading, ESPORTS and men’s lacrosse to bring the department total to 19 sports. The Tigers will join Centenary, Immaculata, Marymount, Neumann and fellow associate member Eastern University. The Tigers are immediately eligible for all women’s flag football conference recognition.

Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family University noted, "Women's flag football at Holy Family University represents a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for our students. This new sport not only enhances the diversity of our athletic programs but also strengthens our connection to the surrounding community. It fosters inclusivity, encourages active lifestyles, and provides a platform for young women to excel both on and off the field. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on our students and the broader community."

Holy Family University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown, PA. Founded in 1954, the University is informed by its values-driven mission. The Tigers compete in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and within the NCAA DII landscape. 

“I would like to thank Dr. Prisco and the Atlantic East for their efforts in helping bring women’s flag football to HFU,” said Athletic Director Tim Hamill. “Flag football is an emerging sport that will play an important role in the continued growth of women’s athletics, and I am proud our department will be a part of that progression.”
 
The Atlantic East partnered with the NFL and RCX Sports to become the first NCAA conference to offer varsity female flag football last year. The league held its inaugural championship in April featuring four conference institutions in a one day tournament. The inaugural contest featured a welcome from Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop, team cheerleaders, as well as the pep band. This first season was in preparation for the first full varsity seasons with regular season play in the spring of 2025. 
 
“When I came on board at Immaculata six months ago, I thought Women’s Flag Football was about to take off,” said Immaculata Head Coach Tom Trainer. “I actually underestimated how big it would become in such a short period of time. Having Holy Family and Eastern University join our league this year enhances both the Atlantic East Conference and women’s flag football.” 

All conference schools will compete throughout the spring season with a full schedule to be determined. The top four teams will compete for the Atlantic East Conference Champion in April of 2025.

ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST
The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising seven institutions in a four-state area - Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary University in New Jersey, Marymount University in Virginia, and Pratt Institute in New York. 
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