KANSAS CITY, Mo. – One of the fastest-growing sports in the country will now have a program in Kansas City. Avila University is introducing women’s flag football as the school’s 18th varsity athletic program, with play beginning in Spring 2027.
 

“The addition of women’s flag football at Avila University reflects our commitment to the NAIA’s core values and our mission to provide meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to grow in competition, character, and leadership,” said Shawn Summe, Avila’s Chief Mission Integration Officer and Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs. “As the sport continues to expand across the NAIA, we are excited to be part of that momentum. We look forward to building a program that not only competes at a high level, but also develops well-rounded student-athletes who will represent Avila University well, both on and off the field."
 

Don Turner will serve as the first head coach in program history. Turner, also the linebackers coach for Avila football, is a 2023 Avila graduate, where he was a member of two KCAC championship teams as a linebacker for the Eagles. Turner is very familiar with the recruiting scene in the Kansas City area, serving as the defensive coordinator at Ruskin High School from 2023-25 as well as coaching seven-on-seven football at Building Champions Football Academy in Overland Park.

“I could not be more excited to be the first women’s flag football coach in Avila history,” said Turner. “I want to thank Dr. Jett and Shawn Summe for their trust and support. Flag football is such a growing sport, not only in this area, but in the entire country, and I can’t wait to hit the recruiting trail and make Avila the best program it can be.”

“We are excited to welcome Don Turner as the inaugural head coach of our women’s flag football program at Avila University,” Summe noted. “Coach Turner brings a passion for Avila University and a clear vision for building a program. As we launch this new program, it was essential to find a leader who is committed to success on the field as well as fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and academic achievement. We are confident Coach Turner will lay a strong foundation and lead our student-athletes to excel in all aspects of their collegiate experience.”

Avila will open its inaugural season with two road games: Feb. 27 and March 3 at Hastings and Saint Mary, respectively, before its home opener on March 6 versus Hesston College.

This news marks the third-consecutive year in which Avila has added a new athletic program, following men’s volleyball in 2025 and men’s and women’s tennis in 2024. Flag football is the eighth new program to join Avila Athletics since 2021.

More details on the brand-new Avila Women’s Flag Football program will be announced throughout the summer.