KWU Flag Football | Season Preview

Coming off a successful 19-4 season with an 11-2 record in the KCAC, has set its sights on a conference title and a national championship for the upcoming season. Head Coach Melinda Nguyen, fresh off being named KCAC Coach of the Year in her second season, is optimistic about the team’s prospects, bolstered by the addition of Ja’Daa Wilson as the Graduate Assistant Coach. Coach Wilson, transitioning from player to coach, is eager to contribute her leadership and expertise in her inaugural season with the Coyotes. Key contributors such as Chihiro Iwata, Alexa Mansur, and Jazmine Whitfield are coming back along with an experienced squad consisting of 10 seniors, 10 juniors, and 4 sophomores. The Coyotes also welcome 11 incoming freshmen, all eager to make an impact in their debut season. 

Coach Nguyen, in her second year, has demonstrated her ability to guide the team to back-to-back winning seasons, and her deep understanding of the game is a key asset to the Coyotes’ continued success. 

Iwata, a standout from Tokyo, Japan, had an impressive debut season, earning KCAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. In her first year with the Coyotes, Iwata threw for over 4,500 yards and 71 touchdowns. 

Mansur, who earned KCAC Defensive Player of the Year recognition, anchored the defense with 107 total tackles and 6 interceptions. Leading the KCAC with 101 flag pulls, Mansur is poised to continue her dominance this season. 

Whitfield, a dynamic receiver, earned a spot on the KCAC 1st Team All-Conference. She led the team with 1,300 receiving yards along with 17 touchdowns, making her a key offensive weapon for the Coyotes. In addition to returning stars, the Coyotes have brought in 2 pivotal transfers. Aliyah Wood, a former standout at Thomas University, helped lead her team to a Sun Belt Conference Championship in her freshman year and earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors as both a receiver and defensive back. Soriah Tafua, who joins from Bryant & Stratton College, is a versatile player capable of making an impact on both sides of the ball and will play a key role in the Coyotes’ success. 

Other key contributors to watch for this season include Ansdiane Rabano, Ciaran DeCuir, Lexi Marquez, Nickayla Howard, Ashley Hawthorne, and Khylie Douglas. 

The Coyotes will open the season on March 1st against Ottawa at Ottawa University.