Jackson State Community College Becomes First Two-Year College in Tennessee, Initial 10 in Nation, to Establish Women’s Flag Football
Set to Launch in Spring 2027 with Support from NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports
JACKSON, TENN. – Jackson State Community College (JSCC) Athletics is set to add women's flag football to its intercollegiate athletics lineup, becoming the first two-year college in Tennessee and one of the first 10 two-year colleges in the nation to offer the sport. The new program will begin competition in Spring 2027, marking a historic moment for the college and the expansion of women's athletics across the state.
This milestone initiative is supported by a $5,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, in collaboration with the National Football League (NFL) FLAG and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX). The funding is part of a national effort to grow flag football at the two-year college level, expanding access and opportunity for female student-athletes.
"We are honored to be selected for this grant and thrilled to introduce flag football at Jackson State," said Dr. Kevin K. Lynum, Athletic Director at JSCC. "Becoming the first two-year college in Tennessee to offer this sport is a testament to our vision of innovation, opportunity, and equity in athletics. We are positioning our students to compete at a high level—regionally and nationally."
JSCC President Dr. Carol Rothstein added, "We are committed to providing a top-tier athletic experience to our student-athletes and to be a destination for the best talent across the region and country. The addition of women's flag football gives us the opportunity to provide yet another platform for student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while representing our institution.
"The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women's flag football brings to institutions' overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields," stated Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. "This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level, and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time."
Adding flag football will allow Jackson State to compete against four-year institutions and other NJCAA colleges offering the sport. In addition to increased exposure and competitive opportunities, the program will also provide pathways to compete for national championships—elevating the college's athletic profile and reach.
Specifically, this sport will enable the Green Jays to take the field against larger institutions throughout the region, offering student-athletes the chance to showcase their talents on a broader stage.
A national search will take place soon to identify the program's inaugural head coach, with recruitment and program development to follow throughout the 2025–26 academic year.
Flag football is among the fastest-growing sports in the United States, fueled by strong institutional and organizational support. With this addition, Jackson State continues to lead from the front—driving growth, innovation, and opportunity in collegiate athletics.
ABOUT NJCAA FOUNDATION
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
ABOUT RCX SPORTS
RCX Sports is the premier youth-sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments and events.
RCX works with professional leagues, national governing bodies, sports-centric businesses and brands to reimagine youth sports experiences. RCX produces events with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com and the 2022 World Games.
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.