KANSAS — Hesston College (Kan.) will be joining the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) as a per-sport member in Women's Flag Football for the 2026 season, the conference office announced Monday. The Larks began sponsoring women's flag football in 2023 and officially joined the NAIA in July 2025.

"This is a big step forward for our program and a huge opportunity for our athletes to compete at a higher level, gain more exposure, and be part of a growing movement in collegiate flag football," Patrick Watson, the Larks' head coach, remarked. "We’re proud to be part of a conference that’s committed to the growth of women’s sports, and we’re looking forward to competing with some of the best programs in the region. The future is bright for flag football and we’re just getting started."

"Hesston College is very excited to be members of the NAIA; we are grateful that our women's flag football team will be able to compete with the KCAC flag football conference schedule where some of the best collegiate teams in the country play," Bryan Kehr, Athletic Director at Hesston College, said.

The Larks will be the eleventh team to compete in women's flag football in the KCAC, joining full member institutions Bethel College, Kansas Wesleyan University, Ottawa University, Southwestern College, and the University of Saint Mary, as well as fellow per-sport members Baker University, Cottey College, Graceland University, Midland University, and William Woods University. 

“The KCAC welcomes Hesston to the NAIA and are particularly proud to invite the Larks as per sport members for KCAC Women’s Flag Football," Dr. Jim Zimmerman, Chair of the KCAC Governing Council, said. "Hesston joins our conference as our 11th program and will enhance the KCAC as a leader in women’s intercollegiate flag football.”
 

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ABOUT HESSTON COLLEGE ATHLETICS

Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College Athletics is a member of the Continental Athletic Conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as well as Division I members of the National Christian College Athletic Association. Hesston offers 18 varsity sports and three club sports including nine men's, 10 women's and two co-ed teams. Lark athletics is committed to promoting character development and Christ-centered community for all athletes. Visit hclarks.com to learn more.

Hesston College Athletics Social Media: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram
 

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