PAXTON, MA—Anna Maria College is planning a noticeable expansion of its athletics lineup, adding three new programs that bring more movement, noise and competition to campus starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
The college recently announced it is introducing competitive dance, competitive cheer and women’s flag football, a trio of additions that reflects the growing popularity of emerging sports and a push to broaden opportunities for student-athletes.
“These initiatives represent more than just new teams,” Executive Director of Athletics David McCauley said in the college’s announcement, calling the expansion part of a broader effort to create new ways for students to “compete, lead and thrive.”
The dance and cheer programs are expected to become highly visible parts of campus life, with performances at games, rallies and community events, alongside regional and national competition. According to the college, the dance team will showcase styles including jazz, hip-hop and pom, while competitive cheer will offer a high-level intercollegiate environment for athletes skilled in stunting, tumbling and jumps.
Recruitment is already underway for both programs, along with searches for head coaches who will help build their foundations and competitive identities.
Women’s flag football, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, marks a new direction for Anna Maria’s athletic offerings. The college says the program is expanding access to collegiate athletics for women while joining a national movement that has gained momentum at the high school and college levels.
As part of the rollout, Anna Maria has named Bridget D’Amelio as the inaugural head coach of women’s flag football. The college noted that D’Amelio helped build the girls flag football program at Wachusett Regional High School into a state-level contender, with appearances at venues including Gillette Stadium.
“I am honored to be named head coach of Anna Maria College Women’s Flag Football,” D’Amelio said in a statement. “Now that women’s flag football has emerged, it has become my passion to help bring this sport to girls and women now and in the future.”
The college said D’Amelio is the first female coach in New England to lead a women’s flag football program at a four-year college.
“We are thrilled to see Bridget take on this role,” Dani Callahan, community relations manager for Kraft Sports at the New England Patriots, said in the announcement, citing her leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young women in sports.
Across all three new programs, Anna Maria said it is focused on recruiting student-athletes and coaches who can help shape team culture while balancing athletics with academics and campus life.
The additions are set to debut in 2026–27, giving the college a year to build momentum — and rosters — ahead of what it hopes will be a louder, livelier chapter for AMCAT Athletics.
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