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KCs Pruitt at forefront of flag football move by NJCAA Published 10:54 am Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Kilgore College Athletic Director Dr.
Courtney Pruitt played a key role in the National Junior College Athletic Associations decision to elevate womens 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 Womens Flag Football Sports Chair, helped guide the sports growth through the championship approval process as participation expanded rapidly across the association.
The designation means womens 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 womens 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 womens flag football and a significant step forward for the growth of the sport, said Puritt, a Longview High School graduate.
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 Womens Flag Football National Championship will be held during the 2027-28 academic year.
Until then, the 2026-27 NJCAA Womens 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 womens 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.