Another big announcement for Hesston College athletics came on Monday (Aug. 4 ) as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference announced that Hesston will be named an affiliate member of the conference to compete in women's flag football.

"Hesston College is very excited to be members of the NAIA," said Athletic Director Bryan Kehr. "We are grateful that our women's flag football team will be able to compete in the KCAC against some of the best collegiate teams in the country."

Hesston College flag football played their inaugural season in 2023 and finished as back-to-back NJCAA Invitational runners up in 2023 and 2024. Hesston began its membership in the NAIA in July and will compete in its first season of competition as a four-year institution in 2025-26. 

"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," said Head Coach Patrick Watson. "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."

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.

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.