Citrus College Flag Football will join the school’s athletics program during the spring 2027 season, college officials announced this month. Administrators said the new women’s team will expand athletic access, support enrollment growth and create new opportunities for local student-athletes.
College leaders approved the program in May after reviewing regional participation trends and the growing number of women’s flag football teams across California community colleges. Officials expect the sport to attract students from San Gabriel Valley high schools that already field girls flag football teams.
“Flag football is rapidly growing in popularity throughout our region,” said Junior Domingo, dean of kinesiology, health and athletics at Citrus College. “It became clear that adding a competitive women’s flag football team was a win-win for prospective students and the entire campus community.”
Regional Growth Drives Demand
The sport has expanded quickly across the country with support from the NFL and youth athletic programs. Interest is expected to rise further before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which will feature flag football for the first time. Information about the Olympic sport is available through LA28 Olympics.
Citrus College plans to compete alongside nearby community colleges, including Cypress College, East Los Angeles College and Irvine Valley College. Several universities in California also now offer women’s flag football programs, giving athletes possible transfer and scholarship opportunities after community college.
Officials said the new team will follow California Community College Athletic Association standards for 7-on-7 competition. Active rosters often carry between 20 and 25 athletes to maintain depth during practices and games. Student-athletes also must meet the same academic requirements required for other Citrus College sports programs.
Citrus College Flag Football Builds Pathways
College leaders said local participation numbers give them confidence the program will attract enough athletes to compete successfully. Many San Gabriel Valley school districts recently added girls flag football teams, creating a direct recruiting pipeline for community colleges.
“We are thrilled to add women’s flag football to our outstanding athletics program,” Citrus College Superintendent and President Greg Schulz said in the release. He added that the program could become a model for other Southern California colleges.
Citrus College serves nearly 17,000 students each year and operates one of the oldest community colleges in Los Angeles County. Officials said more details about coaching staff, recruitment and scheduling will be released in the coming months through Citrus College Athletics. The new program could strengthen opportunities for female athletes throughout the San Gabriel Valley as interest in the sport continues to rise.
Photo Courtesy of Citrus College.
