Westfield State University Athletics to Add Two Varsity Sports

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University will add two varsity sports teams for the 2027-28 academic year, with the Owls starting women’s flag football and men’s swimming and diving.

Westfield will become the first school in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference to sponsor flag football at the varsity level. It is anticipated that the Westfield will play as a club sport in the spring of 2027 and at the varsity level in the spring of 2028.

“I am excited that we are going to be able to add two programs and more opportunities for our student-athletes.” Westfield State Athletic Director Richard Lenfest Jr. said.

In late May, the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact voted to recommend Divisions I, II, and III sponsor legislation to add a national collegiate flag football championship. The committee oversees the Emerging Sports for Women program, which aims to grow participation and competitive opportunities for women’s sports across the NCAA. Its first championship is projected to occur in spring 2028.

Women’s flag football has been fueled by support from the National Football League and has seen explosive growth in participation across New England and the nation. The New England Patriots sponsor leagues and championships for more than 40 Massachusetts high schools that offer flag football. Just over the border, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference recently completed its second annual girls’ flag football championships with Manchester and Plainville winning state titles — with both schools only about an hour’s drive from Westfield — helping establish a strong geographic footprint for competition in New England.

Westfield State University President Linda Thompson praised the addition of the Owls sports programs.

“Our student-athletes are the heart and soul of Westfield State University,” she said. “The addition of women’s flag football and men’s swimming and diving builds upon the proud tradition and success of Owl Athletics while creating new opportunities for students to compete, lead, and grow. These programs strengthen the student experience, expand access to intercollegiate athletics, and help more students reach their full potential both on the field and in the classroom.”