Cornell adds women’s flag football to varsity teams

MOUNT VERNON — Noting the “exponential” grow of women’s flag football, Cornell College announced Wednesday it will add women’s flag football in 2026 to its varsity sport lineup.

“We are very excited about adding women’s flag football to our athletics department,” athletics director Jeff Meeker said in a release. “The popularity of the sport is growing exponentially. It’s an exciting game that fits well here at Cornell.”

Courtney Pennel, founder and director of Iowa’s first all-female NFL Flag league, will be the head coach. This will be Cornell’s 21st varsity sport and will begin competing in the spring of 2027.

Cornell, Graceland University and Maharishi International University as the only Iowa schools offering women’s flag football.

More than 200 collegiate varsity and club teams nationally will compete in 2026, according to the release. An additional 40 programs are set to launch in 2027, according to Cornell officials.

“We are so proud of our success in athletics and are excited to bring women's flag football to Cornell,” Vice President for Enrollment Management Wendy Beckemeyer said in the release. “Our (2023) launch of women's wrestling has been very positive and we expect that the same will be experienced with women's flag football.

“Through the terrific leadership of our athletic director, Jeff Meeker, we have identified a strong and well connected women's flag football coach. We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to the Rams.”

Pennel has organized competition and skill development for females ages 12-18 in Cedar Rapids. This past summer, she formed a league that has partnered with the Minnesota Vikings.

“I see nothing but opportunities and tons of possibilities for young women wanting to play flag football,” Pennel, a 2005 graduate and five-sport athlete at North Scott High School, said in the release. “I’m excited to connect girls with a new avenue to post-secondary opportunities in the sport. We’re going to recruit in our own backyard and prepare them for the next steps in life.”

With support from the NFL and its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports among young women. Flag football is currently under consideration for inclusion in the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. A formal vote is expected at the January 2026 NCAA Convention.

“I know women’s flag is a real thing for colleges. It’s just a matter of time,” Pennel said in the release. “We are trailblazing. We’re going to get the best of the best at Cornell.”