Kilgore College Athletic Director Dr. Courtney Pruitt played a key role in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s decision to elevate women’s flag football to championship sport status, making it an official NJCAA sport beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.
Pruitt, who serves as the NJCAA Women’s Flag Football Sports Chair, helped guide the sport’s growth through the championship approval process as participation expanded rapidly across the association. The designation means women’s flag football will transition from invitational status to a fully sanctioned NJCAA championship sport, allowing teams to compete for an official NJCAA national championship.
The NJCAA Board of Regents approved the move after the number of member institutions sponsoring women’s flag football grew from 15 colleges two years ago to 33 during the 2026-27 academic year, with additional growth expected next season.
“Today is a historic day for women’s flag football and a significant step forward for the growth of the sport,” Pruitt said. “Reaching championship status validates the hard work that has been invested at every level and positions us for continued expansion and success in the years ahead. I am grateful to everyone who played a role in making this achievement possible and excited to see what the future holds for our student-athletes and programs nationwide.”
The inaugural NJCAA Women’s Flag Football National Championship will be held during the 2027-28 academic year. Until then, the 2026-27 NJCAA Women’s Flag Football Invitational will serve as the final invitational before the sport officially transitions to championship status.
At this time, no decision has been made regarding the establishment of a women’s flag football program at KC, but the college is evaluating the opportunity and assessing interest and potential support.
Individuals or organizations interested in supporting the initiative are encouraged to contact the KC Foundation Office for more information.