Atherton, Calif. — Menlo College Athletics announced today the addition of Women's Flag Football as the College's 15th varsity sport. The program will begin competition during the 2026–2027 academic year, with a national search for a Head Women's Flag Football Coach launching immediately.

Women's flag football has been designated by the NCAA as an Emerging Sport, reflecting its rapid national growth and increasing adoption by colleges nationwide. Participation across California and the Western United States has expanded significantly in recent years, aligning closely with Menlo College's primary recruiting regions. According to the California Interscholastic Federation, nearly 20,000 girls participated in CIF-sanctioned high school flag football statewide last season — an 84 percent increase year over year.

The College will begin recruiting immediately to build a full roster for the inaugural 2026–2027 season. Given the sport's rapid regional growth, Menlo's 2026–2027 launch positions the College among the early NCAA Division II adopters in the West.

"This is a strategic and mission-aligned step for Menlo College," said Keith Spataro, Vice President for Athletics. "Women's flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, especially in California and Hawaii, two of our strongest recruiting regions. The timing is right, the regional interest is strong, and the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up is incredibly exciting."

Spataro emphasized that the addition reflects both institutional vision and long-term program sustainability. "Women's flag football expands competitive opportunities for women while strengthening our overall Athletics portfolio," Spataro added. "We believe this sport will attract driven, high-character student-athletes who want to compete at a high level while pursuing academic excellence. We are committed to building a program that reflects Menlo's values from day one."

The Head Women's Flag Football Coach will be hired this spring to lead recruiting efforts, develop program infrastructure, and prepare for the inaugural season. The program will compete as a varsity NCAA Division II sport.

Menlo College President Steven Weiner expressed enthusiasm for the addition and its alignment with the College's broader strategic direction. "Women's flag football represents both innovation and opportunity," said President Weiner. "As an institution committed to growth, access, and student engagement, we are proud to expand our athletic offerings in a way that responds to emerging national trends while serving the interests of our students. This addition strengthens our commitment to providing meaningful leadership and competitive opportunities for women."

More information regarding the Head Coach search and recruiting process will be available at menloathletics.com.

About Menlo College
Menlo College is a private, non-profit institution offering four-year undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located in Atherton, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo integrates academic excellence with leadership development and competitive athletics. Known for its strong business and psychology programs, Menlo prepares students to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose.

Menlo College Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports and competes at the NCAA Division II level, with women's flag football set to become the College's 15th varsity program in 2026–2027.
For media inquiries, please contact:

Athletics Communications
Menlo College
athletics@menlo.edu