UM Flag Football Launches Inaugural Season

New varsity program aims to create opportunities for female athletes and keep Montana students close to home.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a flag football game, with players and the ball broken down into overlapping planes of bright, saturated colors.The University of Montana's new women's flag football team embraces its role as pioneers, bringing a fresh energy and diverse skillsets to the growing sport.Missoula Today

The University of Montana has launched its first-ever women's flag football team this spring, joining a growing movement for the sport across the state. Led by head coach Rajiem Seabrook, the new program is already making an impact, attracting a diverse roster of athletes eager to continue playing after high school. The team's first big milestone will be a rivalry matchup against Montana State on April 25.

Why it matters

The introduction of women's flag football at UM provides a new varsity sport option for female athletes in Montana, helping to expand opportunities and keep more in-state students engaged with college athletics. The program also reflects the broader momentum behind flag football, which was only recently established as a varsity high school sport in the state.

The details

Seabrook, who also coaches flag football at Sentinel High School, was inspired to start the UM program after seeing athletes eager to continue playing at the college level. He initially saw himself as the idea person, not necessarily the head coach, but agreed to lead the team when asked. The roster features a mix of players with flag football experience and those new to the sport, which Seabrook and the team see as a strength. For some, like freshman McKenzie Betz, the program offers a chance to be part of college athletics without the pressure of traditional Division I sports.

  • The University of Montana launched its first women's flag football team this spring.
  • The team's first big rivalry matchup is scheduled for April 25 against Montana State.

The players

Rajiem Seabrook

The head coach of the University of Montana women's flag football team, who was inspired to start the program after coaching at the high school level.

Monet Buerkle

A sophomore wide receiver and safety on the UM flag football team.

Emma Pate

A former flag football state champion who is now playing for the UM team.

McKenzie Betz

A freshman center and middle linebacker on the UM flag football team, who sees the program as a way to be part of college athletics without the pressure of traditional Division I sports.

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What they’re saying

“'Coach Seabrook is super inspirational. To get that energy to us, it makes us better.'”

— Monet Buerkle, Sophomore wide receiver and safety

“'I think having a background with flag football helps, but we have basketball players and volleyball players, and they're all bringing a different skill set to the team as well.'”

— Emma Pate, Former flag football state champion

“'I do love being on a team with these girls. Seeing them in the dining hall like, 'Oh my gosh, I know you.''”

— McKenzie Betz, Freshman center and middle linebacker

What’s next

The team's next milestone will be its first rivalry matchup against Montana State on April 25 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The takeaway

The launch of women's flag football at the University of Montana represents an exciting new opportunity for female athletes in the state, helping to expand varsity sport options and potentially keep more Montana students engaged with college athletics close to home.