The Bears will host the first-ever collegiate women's flag football game for the state of Illinois on March 8, 2025, at the Walter Payton Center, featuring Rockford University and Benedictine University at 6:15 p.m. This historic event is a key milestone in the Bears' commitment to scaling girls and women's flag football.

The Bears have been a driving force in expanding girls and now women's flag football statewide, from launching a 21-team high school league in 2021 to helping Illinois become the ninth state to sanction the sport in 2024. With this groundbreaking event, the team continues its mission to foster inclusivity, empower athletes and build a strong foundation for women's sports in Illinois.

"This is a historic moment for the growth of girls flag football in Illinois," said Tanesha Wade, Bears executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer. "Hosting this collegiate matchup is one of many steps we are taking to create more opportunities to showcase young women in the sport. We are proud to continue helping to pave the way for future athletes and ensure they have the resources, support and recognition they deserve."

Led by Gustavo Silva, manager of youth and high school football, the Bears have been instrumental in growing the talent pipeline for girls flag football in Illinois, working with local schools and organizations, hosting coaches' clinics and talent ID camps, and advocating for the expansion of college-level programs. The matchup between Rockford and Benedictine, two of the five inaugural college varsity flag football programs in Illinois, will feature many Illinois-native athletes who have deep roots in the Bears' high school flag football programs. Three of the players began their flag football careers on one of the earliest teams the Bears helped launch in 2021. Two of which were the first girls from Illinois to ever commit to play collegiate flag football, both transferring back home as there are now opportunities in-state.

"We're thrilled to see so many talented athletes who started in our high school flag football programs making it to the collegiate level," Silva said. "This game highlights how far the sport has come, and it's a clear reminder of the power of providing young women with the chance to play. Our work isn't done—we are focused on continuing to expand opportunities, support these athletes, and create a sustainable pipeline that allows them to succeed both on and off the field."