SAINT LEO, Fla. — Saint Leo University is proud to announce the addition of Women's Flag Football to its intercollegiate athletic programs, set to commence this fall. This initiative underscores the university's dedication to expanding athletic opportunities for female student-athletes and aligns with the national surge in popularity of women's flag football.
Leading the new program is Eli Taliafero, an esteemed coach with a distinguished history of athlete development and program building. Taliafero's extensive experience and commitment to excellence position him to establish a competitive and transformative team culture at Saint Leo.
"We are incredibly excited to bring Women's Flag Football to Saint Leo University," said Marcal Lazenby, Director of Athletics. "This is a growing sport at the collegiate level, and adding it to our portfolio of programs is a major step forward in our continued efforts to empower female student-athletes. Coach Taliafero's expertise and dedication make him the perfect fit to lead this new chapter in Lions Athletics."
The introduction of women's flag football at Saint Leo comes at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented growth nationwide. Recent data reveals that nearly half a million girls between the ages of 6 and 17 participated in flag football last year, marking a 63% increase since 2019 . This surge reflects a broader movement to provide young women with more avenues for athletic participation and development.
Taliafero's impressive background includes serving as the Head Coach of the University of South Florida Women's Flag Football Club Team, where he led the team to competitive success while fostering a culture of discipline and personal growth. His tenure as a Talent ID Coach for Team USA involved evaluating and developing elite athletes for international competition. Additionally, as the Athletic Director for NFL Flag of Tampa Bay, he oversaw a youth league serving hundreds of athletes, emphasizing skill development and character building.
His commitment to community engagement is evident through his founding of the Tampa Bay Sea Dogs, a nonprofit club team dedicated to empowering young athletes. Many players from the Sea Dogs have transitioned to high school as top performers, with most earning varsity spots as freshmen. Taliafero's role as a Flag Football Development Coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers further highlights his dedication to growing the sport and mentoring young talent.
"Saint Leo is building something special," said Taliafero. "I'm honored to be a part of this new era and to help shape a program that develops champions on and off the field. I look forward to hitting the ground running and setting a standard of excellence for Women's Flag Football at Saint Leo."
The establishment of the Women's Flag Football program at Saint Leo University represents more than just the addition of a new sport; it signifies a commitment to fostering inclusivity, leadership, and excellence among female student-athletes. As the sport continues to gain momentum nationally, Saint Leo is poised to become a pivotal player in shaping the future of women's flag football.
For more information on the Women's Flag Football program or to follow updates, visit saintleolions.com.