Montclair, NJ — The Montclair State University Athletic Department and community are excited to announce the addition of women's flag football as an NCAA sport. The new team will become the 19th varsity program offered by Montclair State Athletics, with its inaugural season set for spring 2026.
 
"We are proud to introduce women's flag football at Montclair State University, continuing our commitment to expanding athletic opportunities on campus and taking another exciting step forward in supporting female student-athletes." Said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics & Recreation Robert Chesney.
 
"Women's flag football is experiencing rapid growth within NCAA athletics. While it is not yet officially sanctioned as an NCAA championship event, the NCAA has identified it as an emerging sport.   As participation rises and visibility increases, women's flag football is poised to become one of the most exciting additions to the landscape of college sports.
 
"We are thrilled to launch women's flag football at Montclair State University! Exclaimed Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life, Dr. Dawn Soufleris. "This exciting addition reflects our deep commitment to expanding opportunities for student engagement, leadership, and wellness. Flag football will bring new energy to our campus community, create more space for women in collegiate athletics, and foster pride and connection across our vibrant student body."
 
Montclair State Athletics is also proud to announce the hiring of Jim Kelly, who will become the first head coach in program history.

"We are excited to have Jimmy Kelly leading the way as our first head coach, bringing experience, passion, and vision to our newest program." Stated Chesney.
 
Kelly brings a wealth of football knowledge to the new program, with nearly 35 years of coaching experience. He has served as a head coach for 20 years with successful stints at Clifton, Nutley, and Queen of Peace High Schools. Most recently, he led Caldwell University's sprint football program from 2018–2023, guiding the team to back-to-back Divisional Championship appearances against Army in 2021 and 2022. Kelly has also been an assistant coach at Montville and Clifton High Schools and spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Montclair State from 2005–2012. In 2024, he coached at NJAC rival William Paterson University. In recognition of his outstanding career, Kelly was inducted into the Essex County Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2021.
 
"I want to thank Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life, Dr. Dawn Soufleris, and Associate VP/Director of Athletics Robert Chesney for the opportunity to lead the women's flag football program at Montclair State University," Kelly said. "I believe women's flag football at Montclair State can have a special future on our thriving campus. I am humbled by the opportunity to represent the institution on and off the field on this new journey."
 
Montclair State University will prepare for its launch with a non-traditional season in the fall of 2025 before officially kicking off its inaugural NCAA season in the spring of 2026.