Old Westbury College has started a women’s flag football team.

Flag Football at Old Westbury College

Old Westbury College is set to introduce flag football. Starting in 2026, Nassau County Schools will be the first to participate at the club level, initiating a grassroots effort to recruit the first teams.

Athletics director Lenore Walsh mentioned that they are counting on accepted students, particularly those who have played before, to join the new team. The Panthers, who will compete in the Skyline Conference, gained considerable attention on campus since the announcement in April.

“Many people were hearing about it for the first time on Accepted Student Day, and the excitement was palpable,” she noted, referring to the program that is still in the process of appointing head coaches.

Despite this, there’s a need for more recruitment efforts as flag football is rapidly gaining popularity in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“It appears to be very popular among high schools and middle schools on Long Island,” Walsh added. She pointed out specific programs in Lindenhurst, Plainview, Bethpage, and Port Washington that are worth watching.

The team’s initial tryouts are scheduled for the fall, with another round planned for the spring semester. Walsh highlighted that playing locally offers potential walk-on opportunities.

“You don’t necessarily need to be a recruited student-athlete…and sometimes, you can discover a hidden gem,” she remarked.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars. The Islanders will host a draft party at UBS Arena this Friday night, as the Nassau hockey team is looking to secure the first pick.

New general manager Matthew Dersch will engage with fans starting at 5:30 PM, while players like Ryan Prock and Casey Scizicus will be on the concourse. The event will also feature on-air host Shannon Hogan, actor Kevin Connolly, and the director of the Islanders’ documentary “Big Shot.” Fun activities will include a Ferris wheel, a human horse yard, and a giant slide.

Season ticket holders can attend for free, while general admission is priced at $5, with proceeds supporting the Islanders Children’s Foundation.

Additionally, Long Island’s annual Run Around the Lake event is coming up this Saturday morning, honoring the late Navy Seal Michael Murphy. Taking place at Lake Ronkonkoma, the event kicks off with a half marathon at 7 AM, followed by a fun run at 8:30 AM and a four-mile event at 9 AM. Murphy, who had been a lifeguard before entering the military, is remembered as a local hero.