FHU to kick-off new women’s flag football program

FHU to Kick-Off New Women’s Flag Football Program

Henderson, Tennessee — (Nov. 24, 2025) — Freed-Hardeman University is kicking off its new women’s flag football program with early success, as Coach Jarred Clayton exceeded his goal to secure five committed players by the end of December. Recruiting for the 2026-27 academic year is still underway to field a competitive team for the inaugural 2027 season.

FHU will join fellow Mid-South Conference schools — including Lindsey Wilson College, Campbellsville University and Cumberland University — that have already established women’s flag football teams. The program expects to grow to a roster size of 25 players, with a goal of 15 players in the first year of competition.

“Women’s flag football will add a spark to campus life,” FHU Director of Athletics Jonathan Estes said. “Our students are going to love it, and it’s another way we can provide meaningful opportunities for young women to compete and grow while carrying forward the mission of our university. Coach Clayton is looking forward to mentoring and competing in a way that will make the FHU community proud. Women’s flag football has exploded across the state of Tennessee and many of the states that touch us, so we are well positioned to expand our recruiting opportunities and create a pipeline of new enrollment opportunities.”

Bailey Brown, a commit from Arlington High School, expressed her excitement following her campus visit in November. “I’m excited to be a part of the foundational team at Freed-Hardeman,” said Brown, who plans to study nursing. “I love the community here, and the campus is beautiful. Flag football is a very competitive, intense and fast-paced sport, and I love the intensity and adrenaline that comes with playing quarterback. I’m looking forward to competing at the collegiate level and being part of a program that is building from the ground up.”

Brown’s mother, Becca Brown, is excited for her daughter to begin this next chapter in her life. “As a mom, seeing this family community definitely warms my heart. I plan to be here every time I can make it to a game.”

Clayton said the team is expected to begin camps and training in August 2026. “We are focused on recruiting talented young women that are drawn to the family atmosphere FHU Flag Football will embody, he said. “It’s been exciting to recruit young women from right here in West Tennessee and across the Mid-South. Starting with scholarship money is a fantastic sign of the university’s commitment, and we’re looking for athletes who will treat this as a job, prioritizing both their sport and their schoolwork. We’ve had great initial interest.”

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) sanctioned women’s flag football this past summer, reflecting a growing national trend that includes Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Tennessee and Washington. Pilot program states include Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. In addition, Women’s Flag Football will reach international status as it will debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.

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