Women's flag football team at Sacred Heart University receives support from the NFL
The team was recently given an invitation to participate in the Eastern College Athletics Conference’s (ECAC) flag football league – supported by the New York Jets.
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The newly created women’s flag football club team at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield just scored a big touchdown. The team was recently given an invitation to participate in the Eastern College Athletics Conference’s (ECAC) flag football league. It's supported by the New York Jets and a $1 million Betty Wold Johnson Foundation grant.
"When I found out, I was literally wearing a Jets sweatshirt. So, it was so ironic, but it was so cool. I've been to games but having this level of support from the team that I've been supporting for years is just absolutely amazing," said Victoria Zurawski, a linebacker on SHU's flag football team.
The team was formed in September 2025. Most of the women on the team noted that they've played flag football in high school. Evelyn Valdovinos-Torres said in her search for colleges, she wanted to find one that had flag football.
"It was something that always intrigued me. I grew up watching my dad and my brothers play it. It's something that has been a part of my life, so why not," Valdovinos-Torres said.
Ray Mencio, the executive director of campus life at SHU, brought the rapidly growing sport to the university.
"If you're in the northeast and you're looking for a college, this is a great place to just come and call home for the next four years and be able to be a part of something unique," Mencio said.
The team will attend a media day later this month at MetLife Stadium, where all the women’s teams in the conference will be highlighted.
