On May 14, 2026, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) signaled its commitment to the future of collegiate athletics by appointing Jesse Siordia as the first head coach in the history of its women’s flag football program. The hiring marks a pivotal moment for EMU Athletics, coming just one month after the university announced the addition of the sport as its 21st varsity program. With competition set to begin in the spring of 2027, Siordia’s appointment is the first step in a strategic plan to position the Eagles as a national leader in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
A proven program builder
Siordia arrives in Ypsilanti with a reputation as a "program builder" who possesses a clear vision for championship-level success. He most recently served as the head coach at Siena Heights University, where he founded Michigan's first collegiate varsity flag football program. His impact there was immediate and historic. By his second season in 2026, Siordia led the Siena Heights Saints to the National Collegiate Flag Football League National Championship.
The road to that title showcased the resilient culture Siordia instills in his teams. The Saints finished the championship season with an 18-15 record, but they peaked when it mattered most, winning three consecutive elimination games on championship Sunday. This run included a gritty 22-14 overtime victory in the semifinals and a dominant 14-0 shutout in the national title game. Beyond the scoreboard, Siordia managed every facet of the program’s inception, from recruiting a diverse inaugural class of over 20 student-athletes to building a national schedule and a strong digital presence.
Leadership forged in service
What sets Siordia apart is a leadership philosophy forged during 23 years of service in the United States Navy, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. Siordia credits his military background for his emphasis on discipline, accountability, and a team-first culture.
"After 23 years in the Navy, I learned that strong teams are built through trust, discipline, sacrifice, and belief in something bigger than yourself," Siordia stated upon his hiring. He intends to bring this "championship mentality" to EMU, focusing on developing student-athletes who can compete at the highest level while fostering a sense of belonging within the campus community.
A catalyst for growth in Michigan
Siordia’s influence extends far beyond the college sidelines. For nearly a decade, he has been a driving force for flag football at the grassroots level in Michigan. As the director of operations for UA Under the Lights, he oversaw a participation explosion from 160 athletes to more than 1,200. He also founded Gridiron Flag Football and the Gridiron Academy, providing youth in southeast Michigan with recruiting education and national exposure.
This deep connection to the local talent pool is critical as EMU begins roster construction. High school participation for girls has surged nationally, growing from 11,000 in 2018-19 to 69,000 in the current academic year, an average annual increase of 35 percent. By hiring a coach with such deep roots in the Michigan football community, EMU is well-positioned to attract the state's top talent.
The strategic vision
The addition of women’s flag football is part of a broader expansion of women’s sports at EMU, which now sponsors 14 women's teams, including recent additions like lacrosse and lightweight rowing. This growth aligns with the NCAA's January 2026 designation of women's flag football as an Emerging Sport for Women.
University President Dr. Brendan Kelly noted that the program reflects a "strategic growth" aimed at welcoming more students into the Eastern community. Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee emphasized the sport’s global trajectory, noting its upcoming debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. As the NCAA moves toward establishing a formal championship structure, which requires at least 40 varsity programs, EMU is entering the fray at the perfect time to help lead the sport toward official championship status as early as 2028.
Looking ahead
As Siordia takes the helm, the focus shifts to building the inaugural roster and preparing for the spring 2027 season. The sport itself, a fast-paced, 7-on-7, non-contact game played on an 80-by-40-yard field, promises to bring a new level of excitement to the Ypsilanti community. With a national champion coach at the lead and a clear institutional commitment, Eastern Michigan is not just adding a sport; it is launching a new era of opportunity for women in athletics.
