ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State Athletics announces a historic expansion of its women's sports programs, highlighting the university and department's commitment to helping grow women's sports both locally and nationally.

Women's track and field will make its first appearance on Henderson's campus beginning this fall. The university will field its first track teams in over 30 years in the 2026-27 academic year and will look to immediately compete against the best in the Great American Conference.

In addition to announcing women's track last fall, Henderson State University will also immediately sponsor women's indoor track and field for the upcoming season. Furthermore, with the addition of the track program, the university will enhance its women's cross-country program through the addition of track. Track coaches Brett Charlton and Henry Spillers will take over cross country and aim to field a larger, even more competitive program.

HSU has also announced its intention to add women's flag football as the institution's 16th varsity sport beginning in fall 2027. Henderson State will be the first school in the Great American Conference to sponsor women's flag football as a varsity sport.

"Our commitment to women's sports has never been stronger, and this strategic investment reflects the future of women's athletics at Henderson State University," Henderson State Director of Athletics Seth Dutton said. "The addition of indoor and outdoor track and field, expanded support for cross country, and the launch of flag football represent a substantial increase in opportunities for female student-athletes and reflect our long-term vision of being a national leader in women's sports."

Across the three programs, Henderson expects to add 55 to 65 new student-athletes to campus over the next two years.

"This expansion of women's sports reflects the bright future of Henderson State University," HSU Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry said. "Adding indoor and outdoor track and field, enhancing cross country, and launching women's flag football as our 16th varsity sport will create significant new opportunities for female student-athletes while positioning us as a leader in the Great American Conference and beyond. These investments demonstrate our long-term vision of building a nationally competitive women's athletics program that our campus and community can be proud of."

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Data from the National Federation of High School Sports recognizes that participation among high school students in the United States has doubled to over 42,000 participants, with 14 states sponsoring varsity girls flag football. The National Football League is one of the primary partners in advancing flag football, investing in infrastructure for coaches, officials, education, resources, and events. Currently, over 60 Division II schools sponsor the sport, with multiple Division I, Division III, and NAIA schools participating in anticipation of becoming an NCAA championship sport in January of 2027. Henderson State is in active discussions with the NFL and the RCX Foundation about grant funding to enhance a first-year program.

A national search for Henderson's flag football coach will begin in the fall with an anticipated start date of January 15, 2027.