San Antonio, Texas- Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is redefining opportunity in collegiate athletics with the addition of women's flag football, an emerging and rapidly growing sport nationwide. Set to launch this fall, flag football becomes the University's 22nd varsity sport, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of OLLU Athletics.

With this announcement, OLLU becomes just the second NAIA institution in Texas to sponsor flag football behind Texas Wesleyan. OLLU will emerge as the first college in San Antonio to offer flag football scholarships. The move positions the University at the forefront of one of the most dynamic developments in women's collegiate sports.

Our Lady of the Lake University President Dr. Abel A. Chavez had the following statement about this historic opportunity ahead:

"The launch of women's flag football at OLLU represents more than a new sport. It is an investment in opportunity shaped by our Catholic values. This program will expand access, open new pathways for women in athletics, and it reflects our mission to educate and form student-athletes who lead with character, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose."

Nationally, flag football remains highly selective despite its rapid growth. Only 65 NCAA institutions and 35 NAIA institutions currently sponsor flag football, out of more than 1,200 NCAA schools and over 250 NAIA schools. OLLU's decision places the University among a small, forward-thinking group of institutions investing early in the future of college athletics. This new addition will bring more student-athletes to campus and enable greater growth at the University. 

The addition of flag football was approved by the OLLU Board of Directors and advanced under the leadership of Athletic Director Tom Norris, who emphasized the program's long-term impact.

"This is a game-changing moment for OLLU Athletics," said Norris. "Flag football represents innovation, opportunity, and growth. By adding this program, we are expanding access to scholarships, creating new competitive pathways for student-athletes, and positioning Our Lady of the Lake University as a leader. Not only in Texas, but nationally, this sport continues to gain momentum. I am thankful for our group of forward-thinking leaders here at OLLU. We are very appreciative of their support of OLLU Athletics."

The launch of the flag football program underscores OLLU's commitment to competitive excellence, equity in athletics, and strategic growth. As Flag Football continues to emerge at the collegiate level, OLLU's early investment signals a bold step forward. This move will strengthen the University's athletic portfolio and create new opportunities for student-athletes beginning this fall.