Joliet Junior College Adds Women's Flag Football
The NJCAA program will begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year, joining a growing number of Illinois community colleges.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you think expanding women's sports programs at local colleges is a good idea?
Joliet Junior College announced it will add women's flag football as an athletic program, beginning competition in the 2027-28 academic year. The college becomes the third community college in Illinois to offer the sport.
Why it matters
The NJCAA Board of Regents voted in June 2026 to elevate women's flag football to official championship sport status, reflecting rapid growth at the high school level. Joliet's addition gives local student-athletes a collegiate pathway as participation continues to rise.
Women's flag football participation grew from 21 Illinois teams in 2021 to more than 200 high school teams, with the IHSA sanctioning girls flag football in 2024. Joliet's coaching staff, recruiting approach, and schedule remain unannounced and will be shared in the coming months.
The players
Joliet Junior College
A public community college in Joliet, Illinois, offering transfer, career, and athletic programs to students in the region.
NJCAA Board of Regents
The governing body of the National Junior College Athletic Association, which sets championship sports and rules for member two-year colleges.
Illinois High School Association
The statewide body that governs interscholastic athletics for public and private high schools in Illinois, including girls flag football.
The details
Joliet Junior College will recruit student-athletes and establish the program ahead of its inaugural 2027-28 season. Athletic director Gregg Braun said the timing is right to give student-athletes a collegiate opportunity, given district participation growth. The addition is the ninth sport program Braun has added since 2019.
Timeline
2021: Women's flag football growth began with 21 Illinois teams.
July 24, 2024: Braun sent the first email regarding women's flag football.
2024: The Illinois High School Association sanctioned girls flag football.
June 2026: The NJCAA Board of Regents voted to elevate women's flag football to championship status.
2027-28 academic year: Joliet's inaugural women's flag football season begins.
Season Trajectory
The NJCAA's June 2026 vote to make women's flag football an official championship sport sets up its inaugural national championship in 2027-28. Joliet's entry follows that sanctioning and adds to the 33 member institutions already sponsoring the sport.
Prospective student-athletes in the Joliet area now have a collegiate women's flag football option starting in 2027-28. The NJCAA's championship status means the program will compete for a national title alongside other member schools.
The takeaway
Women's flag football is expanding quickly from high school to two-year college competition, giving athletes new paths to play. Students interested in the sport should watch for Joliet's coaching and recruiting announcements in the coming months.
What happens next
Joliet's inaugural women's flag football season is scheduled to begin in the 2027-28 academic year, with the NJCAA Women's Flag Football National Championship set for the same season.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage to see how the sport is growing at the collegiate and high school levels.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1340 WJOL.
Live Poll
Do you think expanding women's sports programs at local colleges is a good idea?
