UW-Oshkosh Launches Women's Flag Football Program with Deante Jefferson as Head Coach

Strategic Insights -

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh) has announced the launch of its women's flag football program, with Deante Jefferson as the inaugural head coach. The program will begin competition in Spring 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for Titan Athletics and opportunities in women's sports. Jefferson, a 2022 graduate from UW-Stevens Point and Oshkosh native, brings experience from high school coaching and has been named the first head coach for the Lightning's girls flag football program.

Key Takeaways:

  • Deante Jefferson has been named the first head coach of UW-Oshkosh's women's flag football program, which will start in Spring 2026.
  • Jefferson has experience coaching high school flag football, leading the team to a 45-32 win over Appleton East High School in its first-ever game.
  • The program will focus on recruiting student-athletes from Wisconsin and the Midwest, with a goal of strong recruitment for the 2027 season.
  • UW-Oshkosh leaders are working to launch the program this spring and are encouraged by the growth of flag football at the high school level nationwide.
  • The sport has gained popularity, with 15 states sanctioning the sport and many more running pilot programs, and is set to debut as an Olympic event in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 50,000 girls played high school flag football in 2024-25, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
  • Sixteen state high school athletic associations have sanctioned girls flag football for 2025-26, while another 18 states are offering independent or pilot programs.
  • Recruiting is already underway for UW-Oshkosh's women's flag football program, with a focus on boosting the team to a strong level out of the gate.

Sources:

  • "Assistant Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Darryl Sims announced on Wednesday (Oct. 15) that Deante Jefferson has been named the first head coach of UW-Oshkosh's women's flag football program..."
  • "(National Federation of State High School Associations), nearly 50,000 girls played high school flag football in 2024-25..."