McMurry University’s return to the American Southwest Conference (ASC) represents more than a conference homecoming — it reflects a forward-looking commitment to growth, opportunity, and leadership in collegiate athletics. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, McMurry will sponsor women’s flag football as a varsity sport, joining its ASC peers and launching one of the nation’s fastest-growing collegiate programs.
The ASC announced that all six member institutions — East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, McMurry University, Schreiner University, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor — will add women’s flag football, with conference competition set to begin once NCAA legislation permits. For McMurry, the move aligns with its tradition of expanding access and enhancing the scholar-athlete experience.
“We are thrilled to help lead the way in expanding opportunities for female scholar-athletes,” said President Dr. Lynne Murray. “Flag football provides a dynamic and inclusive athletic experience while aligning with our commitment to innovation and engagement.”
A Sport on the Rise
Women’s flag football continues to experience rapid growth nationwide. Supported by the National Football League and scheduled to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the sport has seen a 60 percent increase in participation among young women over the past five years. At the collegiate level, momentum is building as the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics recently recommended flag football be added to the Emerging Sports for Women program, with a vote expected in January 2026.
Leadership in Place
As McMurry prepares for its inaugural season in 2027, the University has already secured a cornerstone of the program by naming Leo Brownfield IV as the first head coach in program history. A McMurry alumnus who graduated in 2020, Brownfield brings both institutional pride and proven coaching experience to the role.
Brownfield joined the War Hawk football coaching staff in 2024 and served as running backs coach during the program’s back-to-back SCAC championships. He also leads the Fieldhouse flag football league and previously competed collegiately at McMurry and East Texas Baptist before playing professionally with the Orlando Predators.
“The opportunity to build a program from the ground up is special,” Brownfield said. “We get to establish the culture and set the standard from day one.”
With strong leadership, conference-wide support, and national momentum, McMurry University is positioned to help shape the future of women’s flag football while continuing its proud tradition in NCAA Division III athletics.