The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), established in 1946, comprises nine member institutions. Among these are notable colleges such as Augustana College, Carroll University, Carthage College, and Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU). Recently, IWU made headlines with the announcement of Melissa Valenzuela as its first-ever women’s flag football coach. Her appointment represents a significant development as the university adds this sport to its athletic offerings.
Valenzuela’s diverse background in football spans over a decade, including coaching girls’ flag football at Riverdale High School in Portland, Oregon. She has experience as a wide receiver and defensive backs coach with the Oregon Ravens in the Women’s National Football Conference and has been instrumental in promoting the sport through various coaching roles in the Pacific Northwest since 2011. Valenzuela was a key figure in establishing the first 5-on-5 women’s flag football league in Seattle and has also been an ambassador for flag football with recognized organizations.
In her enthusiastic remarks about joining IWU, Valenzuela expressed her commitment to nurturing a competitive and spirited flag football program that will thrive in the Bloomington-Normal community. Her leadership is expected to provide valuable opportunities for student-athletes to showcase their talents in a burgeoning sport that’s catching on across the country.
Women’s flag football is experiencing rapid growth, with many states recognizing it as a legitimate high school sport. In Illinois alone, over 100 high school teams are participating, highlighting the sport’s expanding popularity. Furthermore, the inclusion of women’s flag football in the Olympic Games in 2028 serves to elevate its profile even more.
The Titan flag football team will compete at Neis Field, with their season running from February to May. This innovative and engaging sport, played in a 7-on-7 format on a scaled-down field, promotes teamwork and athletic skill, potentially attracting a large number of participants and fans within the university and surrounding communities.
The future looks promising for women’s flag football at Illinois Wesleyan University, under the capable guidance of Coach Valenzuela. With increasing institutional support and growing interest at the high school and collegiate levels, the sport is poised for an exciting trajectory, giving many young female athletes a chance to shine on the field. This is not just an expansion of sports offerings but an important step towards greater inclusivity and opportunities in athletics.