SXU Announces New Women's Varsity Sport and Coach
Saint Xavier University (SXU) is proud to announce the launch of a new Athletics program, women's flag football, and the selection of its coach, Wade Bittner. Flag football will be the 21st varsity sport for SXU's Athletics program.
Women's flag football, the non-contact version of American football, is played on a shorter, narrower field with seven players on each team. Players are equipped with belts filled with flags, which the opposing team attempts to retrieve. Women's flag football is surging in popularity across the U.S., and SXU joins a small number of the first colleges and universities in Illinois beginning competition in 2026-2027.
Flag football was recently approved by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as an invitational sport at the championship level. There are currently 35 schools in the NAIA competing in flag football, with more expected to be added.
"As SXU seeks to continually innovate, the sport, which is rapidly growing in Illinois, is an ideal addition to our list of varsity teams. I am always looking for new ways to grow the Athletics program and enhance the student-athlete experience," said Kenyan Alston, director of Athletics.
SXU's search for the flag football coach was rigorous and intentional.
"We landed on a phenomenal candidate [Bittner], who started the women's flag football program at St. Laurence High School and has successfully completed three seasons and achieved two regional championships. We are confident he will bring that same energy and expertise to SXU," added Alston.
Bittner has been a consistent volunteer at various flag football clinics, skills camps, and outreach programs across the Chicagoland area, with a dedicated focus on player development and culture.
"We are excited for the challenge and opportunity that leading a first-year program will bring. The goal is to grow this program over time into a competitive team with a foundation based on creating culture and gaining respect as a program," said Bittner.
SXU’s varsity women's flag football program is beginning outreach for all aspiring athletes. The first season of competition will begin in spring 2027. To learn more, visit the Athletics website.