Courtney Pennel, founder and director of Iowa’s first all-female NFL Flag league, was named head coach for Cornell’s newest and 21st varsity sport, women's flag football, on Oct. 1, 2025. The Rams will start competing in the 2027 spring season.
“We are very excited about adding women’s flag football to our athletics department,” Director of Athletics Jeff Meeker said. “The popularity of the sport is growing exponentially. It’s an exciting game that fits well here at Cornell.”
Pennel brings a strong presence to Cornell’s start-up program as the director of NFL Iowa – Female in Flags since 2024. She has organized competition and skill development for females ages 12-18 in Cedar Rapids. In Summer 2025, Pennel formed a league which is now partnered with the Minnesota Vikings.
“I see nothing but opportunities and tons of possibilities for young women wanting to play flag football,” said Pennel, a 2005 graduate and five-sport athlete at North Scott (Iowa) High School. “I’m excited to connect girls with a new avenue to post-secondary opportunities in the sport. We’re going to recruit in our own backyard and prepare them for the next steps in life.”
With support from the National Football League (NFL) and its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports among young women. Flag football is currently under consideration for inclusion in the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. A formal vote is expected at the January 2026 NCAA Convention.
“I know women’s flag is a real thing for colleges. It’s just a matter of time,” Pennel said. “We are trailblazing. We’re going to get the best of the best at Cornell.”
Pennel earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with an entrepreneurial certificate from the University of Iowa in 2009. She has been a high school site manager for the Zach Johnson Foundation – Kids on Course since 2023. Pennel served as strength training coach at Tire Trained in Marion from 2021-24.
“For us to have Courtney lead our launch is so important,” Meeker said. “She has already built high school connections in the area and has been very involved with the NFL flag football initiative. Courtney has a passion for the sport and mentoring young people. She is another outstanding addition to our team.”
Cornell joins Graceland University and Maharishi International University as the only Iowa institutions to currently sponsor women’s flag football.
More than 200 collegiate varsity and club teams nationally will compete in 2026, with nearly 40 additional programs set to launch in 2027.
“We are so proud of our success in athletics and are excited to bring women's flag football to Cornell,” Vice President for Enrollment Management Wendy Beckemeyer said. “Our (2023) launch of women's wrestling has been very positive and we expect that the same will be experienced with women's flag football.
“Through the terrific leadership of our athletic director, Jeff Meeker, we have identified a strong and well connected women's flag football coach. We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to the Rams.”
The 7-on-7 game is played on a field 40 yards wide by 80 yards long and consists of four 12-minute quarters. The sport involves non-contact play emphasizing strategy, speed and agility. Tackles are made by pulling a player’s flag belt.
Prospective student-athletes interested in Cornell’s women’s flag football program can initiate the recruiting process at
CornellRams.com.
