Meredith Athletics Participates in 2026 NCAA Convention

Representatives from collegiate athletics gathered January 13–16, 2026, in the Washington, D.C., area for the 2026 NCAA Convention, a landmark event shaping governance, legislation, and the future direction of college sports. The annual convention also marked a significant milestone for women’s athletics with several historic votes expanding opportunities and competitive platforms for student-athletes nationwide.

A major highlight of the convention was the NCAA’s approval of women’s flag football into the Emerging Sports for Women program, a key designation that sets the stage for competition as more schools add the sport. Flag football has been one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports, with sponsorship expanding rapidly across NCAA campuses and the sport’s momentum buoyed by its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics. This recognition means that when Meredith College fields its team, beginning play for the 2026-27 school year, it will be part of the NCAA Emerging Sport landscape and eligible to count toward the threshold required to become a full NCAA championship sport. In addition, acrobatics and tumbling, stunt, Division II bowling and Division III women’s wrestling were voted to become NCAA Championship sports — the first time four championships have been added at one NCAA Convention, underscoring the rapid rise of women’s sports within intercollegiate athletics.

“We are thrilled to add four new women’s championships to the NCAA,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker, highlighting the growth of college sports and opportunities for student-athletes to compete for national titles and inspire future generations. 

Meredith College was represented at the convention by Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Fiona Barkley and softball student-athlete Riley Fay. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) programming provided leadership and development opportunities during the convention, reflecting Meredith’s commitment to both athletic and personal growth for its student-athletes.