STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College of Maine welcomed former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer and approximately 150 youth athletes to the SJC Athletics Complex on Saturday, October 17, for a Women's Flag Football Kickoff Event celebrating the sport's growth in Maine.

The event featured 18 teams from Maine Girls Flag Football, with athletes from elementary school through high school competing throughout the afternoon. Saint Joseph's President Joe Cassidy, women's flag football head coach Kayla Pierce and Hoyer addressed the players and their families.

Saint Joseph's will begin competition in spring 2028 as Maine's first varsity women's flag football program at an NCAA institution. The program will become the College's 21st varsity sport.

"We're so excited to have the players and their parents and friends here today. This year, Saint Joseph's College committed to adding a women's flag football program," Cassidy said. "We hope to see some of you playing college flag football right here on this field one day."

Pierce shared her excitement about the opportunity for young players to continue competing in college.

"I love this game, and seeing so many of you out here sharing that passion is incredibly exciting. I hope to see some of you continue that journey here at Saint Joseph's, representing Maine's first varsity women's flag football program and playing the sport you love at the college level," Pierce said.

Hoyer, who attended in his role as a youth football ambassador with the Patriots, reflected on his own introduction to the game through flag football and emphasized the importance of teamwork.

"I'm excited to be here at Saint Joseph's College and celebrate with you the fastest growing sport not only in the United States but in the world. My first interaction with football was flag football, the same as you guys, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did," Hoyer said. "To see how this (sport) has grown has been truly amazing."

"Football is so unique because it is the ultimate team sport," Hoyer continued. "You need every single person on the team to do their job to be successful."

Founded in 2020, Maine Girls Flag Football is the state's oldest and largest all-girls flag football league. The Patriots have also committed to donating equipment to support local girls flag football organizations or future clinics on campus.

 

PHOTO GALLERY: