Anna Maria College is entering a new era of growth in athletics, announcing the addition of multiple new programs and key leadership appointments set to debut during the 2026–27 academic year. The expansion reflects the College’s continued commitment to enhancing the student experience, broadening opportunities for student-athletes, and building a vibrant, inclusive campus culture.
Beginning in 2026–27, Anna Maria will introduce Competitive Dance, Competitive Cheer, and Women’s Flag Football. These three programs bring new energy, visibility, and competitive opportunity to AMCAT Athletics. Together, the additions signal a strategic investment in both athletic excellence and school spirit.
“These initiatives represent more than just new teams,” said David McCauley, Executive Director of Athletics. “They reflect our mission to provide meaningful co-curricular opportunities, respond to growing interest in emerging sports, and create pathways for students to compete, lead, and thrive.”
New Opportunities for Performance, Spirit, and Competition
The Anna Maria College Dance Team will become a highly visible presence on campus, performing at athletic events, rallies, and community gatherings while also competing at the regional and national levels. Showcasing styles such as jazz, hip-hop, and pom, the program is designed to blend artistry, athleticism, and school pride. Recruitment for the inaugural team is underway, alongside a search for a head coach who will help establish the program’s foundation and competitive identity.
Similarly, the launch of Competitive Cheer as an intercollegiate sport will provide a high-level competitive environment for student-athletes skilled in stunting, tumbling, and jumps. While continuing to support campus spirit at games and events, the team will also compete in regional and national competitions, positioning Anna Maria among the growing number of institutions recognizing cheer as a demanding, fast-growing collegiate sport.
Women’s Flag Football Joins a Fast-Growing National Movement
The addition of Women’s Flag Football marks a significant milestone for Anna Maria College and aligns with the rapid nationwide growth of the sport. Designed to be inclusive, fast-paced, and highly competitive, the program will expand access to collegiate athletics for women while contributing to the evolving landscape of women’s sports.
In a major step forward for the program, Anna Maria recently announced the hiring of Bridget D’Amelio as the inaugural Head Coach of Women’s Flag Football. D’Amelio brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to the sport, having helped build and lead the girls flag football program at Wachusett Regional High School to state-level success. Her teams have earned top conference finishes, statewide recognition, and opportunities to compete on prominent stages, including Gillette Stadium.
“I am honored to be named head coach of Anna Maria College Women’s Flag Football,” said D’Amelio. “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. I’m grateful for the opportunity to empower young women to showcase their strength, skill, and athleticism.”
D’Amelio’s appointment is historic. She becomes the first female coach in New England to lead a women’s flag football program at a four-year college. Her work with youth leagues, summer programs, and New England Patriots Girls Flag Football initiatives underscores her commitment to player development and program building.
“We are thrilled to see Bridget take on this role,” said Dani Callahan, Community Relations Manager for Kraft Sports at the New England Patriots. “Her passion, leadership, and dedication to empowering young women through sports make her the perfect choice to lead this program.”
Building Momentum for the Future
Across all three new programs, Anna Maria College is actively recruiting student-athletes and seeking coaches who will shape the culture, competitive schedules, and long-term success of each team. The College’s focus remains consistent: it is balancing athletic achievement with academic success, leadership development, and community engagement.
As Anna Maria looks ahead to the 2026–27 academic year, the expansion of AMCAT Athletics represents a bold step forward. It strengthens school spirit, broadens access to collegiate competition, and reinforces the College’s commitment to developing the whole student.
