Saint Joseph's College of Maine is launching a national search for its first women's flag football head coach after adding the sport as its 21st varsity offering. This makes Saint Joseph's the first NCAA institution in Maine to sponsor women's flag football at the varsity level, with competition set to begin in Spring 2028. The selected coach will play a crucial role in establishing the program, focusing on recruiting, team development, and overall operations. Co-Director of Athletics Will Sanborn emphasized the importance of finding a passionate leader to ensure the program's long-term success. Applications are now open, with candidates required to have a bachelor's degree and relevant coaching experience.

By the Numbers
  • Saint Joseph's College is the first college in Maine to sponsor women's flag football at the NCAA level.
  • Competition is scheduled to start in Spring 2028.
Yes, But

While this initiative marks significant progress for women's sports in Maine, some may question the financial and logistical challenges of developing a new program from scratch, especially in a state where such opportunities are still emerging.

State of Play
  • The college will focus on staffing, recruiting, and community engagement over the next academic year.
  • A full-time coach will need to oversee all aspects of the program's launch.
What's Next

The recruitment process for the head coach will be competitive, aiming to attract candidates who are enthusiastic about women's flag football. This initiative could set a trend for other colleges in Maine and beyond to consider adding similar programs.

Bottom Line

Saint Joseph's College's new women's flag football program represents a pioneering move in collegiate athletics in Maine, aiming to foster growth in women's sports and provide new opportunities for student-athletes.