Hobart and William Smith Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian Miller announced William Smith will join the ECAC/NY Jets Flag Football League when the Herons take the field for their inaugural season in 2027.
 
"We're excited for William Smith to join the ECAC/NY Jets Flag Football League, creating a new and meaningful competitive opportunity for our student-athletes," said Miller. "Flag football is growing rapidly nationwide, and this move reflects our commitment to supporting emerging sports and enhancing the overall experience of our student-athletes."
 
William Smith Head Coach Rusty Virkler echoed Miller's sentiment.
 
"We're grateful for the opportunity to join the largest NCAA Flag Football Conference in the country," said Virkler. "Competing in an established conference with phenomenal competition will be an incredible experience for our student-athletes. The ECAC and New York Jets are doing an incredible job growing women's flag football at the collegiate level, and we can't wait to be a part of that."
 
Launched in the spring of 2026, the ECAC/NY Jets Flag Football League is the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the United States. The league was established through a $1 million grant from New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation to the ECAC. Fifteen teams are competing in the inaugural season.
 
William Smith will host its home games on McCooey Field. Collegiate flag football is played 7-on-7 on an 80-by-40-yard field with 15-minute quarters. Teams have four downs to advance the ball across each 20-yard line for a first down. Players wear belts with two flags attached at the hips, which defenders must remove to end a play.
 
The addition of flag football underscores William Smith's continued investment in expanding opportunities for women in athletics. Including flag football, the Herons have added four varsity sports in the past five years, raising their total sports offering to 16 sports.