The University of North Alabama (UNA) is set to launch its new flag football program in September 2026, marking a significant milestone for women’s sports at the institution. The team will play its home games on a state-of-the-art artificial turf field located off Cox Creek Parkway in Florence, Alabama. As the anticipation builds, eight initial players have already signed on, and the administration is actively seeking a head coach to lead the program.
According to Anna Milwee Horvath, the interim flag football coach and Associate Athletic Director for Governance and Student-Athlete Experience, supporters are eagerly awaiting news from the NCAA Convention taking place near Washington, D.C. The NCAA Cabinet may officially introduce flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program, a move that could significantly enhance the sport’s visibility and growth.
UNA became the second Division I athletic program in Alabama to announce the creation of a flag football team, following Alabama State. Horvath has been instrumental in establishing the groundwork for the new program, having already signed six high school athletes and two transfers from community colleges. The high school athletes include Keahla Jackson from Athens, Claire Wulff from Sparkman, Ansleigh Virden from Sipsey Valley, Reagen Mishoe from Helena, Sariah Booker from Auburn, and Peyton Walters from Woodstock, Georgia. The transfers are Leah Haynes from Calhoun Community College in Decatur and Mattie Case from Northwest Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals.
As the program develops, Horvath has noticed increased interest from student-athletes across the country, particularly from those involved in the growing number of flag football programs in Alabama. She noted, “Girls are a little different than guys. They really want to know who that head coach is. I can’t blame them.” Several prospective players have visited UNA and expressed enthusiasm for both the campus and the new facilities.
The search for a permanent head coach began on January 1, with applications opening in November. Horvath reported that they have received inquiries from numerous experienced coaches interested in the position. “We’ve had tremendous support from our administration here at UNA,” she stated. “Our athletic director had a vision and wants to keep us at the forefront in everything we’re doing.”
The new Bank Independent Stadium will host both the Lions’ traditional football and the flag football games, with its opening scheduled for September 2026. This venue will replace Braley Municipal Stadium, where the Lions have played since 1949. In the meantime, the flag football team will utilize the artificial turf field off Cox Creek Parkway for both practices and games.
Horvath mentioned that discussions are ongoing with other institutions, including UT-Arlington, Mount St. Mary’s, Long Island University, Mercyhurst, and Alabama State, as they prepare to compete in the upcoming season. The UNA Lions are also in talks with West Alabama, which will launch its own program this fall, about potential matchups.
The excitement surrounding UNA’s flag football program reflects broader trends in collegiate athletics, as institutions across the nation begin to embrace this emerging sport. As Horvath concluded, “After this vote, I think a lot of schools will add flag football.” With the groundwork laid and a promising future ahead, the University of North Alabama is poised to make a significant impact in women’s sports come September 2026.
