The Rise of Women’s Flag Football at University of Bridgeport

When Kwadir Delgado-McIntyre arrived for his interview, he was already dressed in purple.

“They gave me some gear,” he laughed, “and I like it.”

That easy confidence — and obvious pride — captures the spirit of something entirely new taking shape at University of Bridgeport: women’s flag football, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and an emerging National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport that UB will officially debut in spring 2027, just in time for the University’s centennial celebration.

At the center of that launch is Kwadir, UB’s first head coach of women’s flag football — part builder, part recruiter, part mentor, and wholly invested in the future of the game.

For alumni who played football at UB decades ago — or packed Kennedy Stadium to watch it — flag football may sound familiar, but it’s a fundamentally different sport.

“There are fast blitzers and you can’t block them physically,” Kwadir explains. “So, the quarterback has to make decisions right away. The speed of the game and ability to remain under control. That’s what makes Women’s Flag Football.”

Instead of tackling, defenders stop the ball carrier by pulling a flag from their belt. The game is faster, more spatial, and demands quick decision-making. Most collegiate women’s teams play with seven athletes on the field instead of eleven, on a shorter, narrower field (80 yards instead of 100).

There are still downs, punts, and touchdowns, but the condensed field and fewer players create a constant sense of motion. The sport rewards agility, anticipation, and teamwork.

“You’ll see a woman score a touchdown and hit a dance or celebrate with her team,” Kwadir said. “That individuality, mixed with team energy — that’s what people connect to.” Flag football opens the game of football to athletes who may never have had access to it before — volleyball players, soccer players, track athletes, and students who simply love the game but never had a place to play it. At UB right now, that interest is coming from across campus.

The sport has also gained popularity amongst high school students. Participation has surged across the country; parents are packing sidelines, and professional leagues — including the National Football League (NFL) — are putting their weight behind the sport.

Senior Associate Athletic Director Kate Backman has watched the sport grow firsthand. “It’s the fastest-growing sport for women right now,” she said.

Athletic Director Anthony Vitti sees the addition as a natural fit for UB. “It provides opportunities for women,” Vitti added. “It’s an emergent sport in the NCAA, and we’re really excited to add it at UB.”

For Kwadir, the significance runs deeper than numbers.

“This sport is a success amongst female students, and gives more women opportunity,” he said. “Not just to play, but to be seen differently. It’s empowering.”

That excitement is already shared by students on campus. Angelise Melendez, a Criminal Justice major with a minor in Psychology, is eager to be part of the program.

“I’m really interested in joining the flag football team because I believe it can bring something new and exciting to UB,” Melendez said. “Growing up, I played a variety of sports, so I’m always open to learning something new and challenging myself in different ways. I see flag football as an opportunity to gain new skills and possibly grow into a sport I can really excel in.”

Melendez is especially energized by the launch of a women’s team.

“Since I’m already very involved on campus through clubs, my role as an RA, and working in Residential Life, I’m excited to extend that involvement into athletics and be part of something that can have a strong impact on the community,” she said. “Bringing flag football to UB adds a fresh culture and energy that I think a lot of students will connect with.”

Kwadir’s journey to UB has been shaped by football at every level. A two-time team captain at Southern Connecticut State University, he played collegiately from 2016-2021, earned both his undergraduate degree in Marketing and a master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and briefly played professional indoor football. Along the way, he worked with high-level coaches, including former NFL standout Carnell Lake, and built experience in player development, officiating, and youth flag football.

“He’s awesome. He’s hustling,” said Vice President of Athletics, Recreation, and Student Life Jay Moran. “He wants to grow the program here, and he’s going to do a great job.”

Kwadir brings not just experience, but empathy.

“For a lot of people, football is how they deal with life,” he said. “It’s where you express yourself — where you scream, celebrate, or just let things out. That doesn’t change in flag football.”

The inaugural UB women’s flag football team will take the field in spring 2027, with an expected roster of about 15 players, growing to approximately 25 by spring 2028. Recruitment is well underway for 2026-2027 athletes who will form the program’s foundation.

“I want competitors,” Kwadir said plainly. “People who want to be great. People who love the game.”

Kwadir’s vision extends beyond conference success.

“I don’t want us to just be good. I want us to be nationally ranked. I want UB to be known for flag football.”

That ambition fits squarely with where University athletics are headed. Recent conference championships in swimming, wrestling, softball, and gymnastics have signaled a powerful upswing — and women’s flag football represents both continuity and innovation as UB enters its 100th year.

And if Kwadir has his way?

“We’re winning in 2028,” he said with a grin.

For UB alumni, this new sport is more than a trend. It’s football reimagined — faster, more inclusive, and filled with possibility. And it’s just getting started.