OSHKOSH, Wis.- 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, which will begin competition in Spring 2026.
 
"I am proud to welcome Deante to UW-Oshkosh as our first women's flag football head coach", stated Sims. "He brings experience from the fast-growing high school level that will ensure the program will compete at a high level out of the gate.
 
"I am truly honored to serve as the head coach for UW-Oshkosh's inaugural women's flag football season", said Jefferson. "This opportunity signifies more than the launch of a new program—it reflects the continued growth of the sport, the exposure it brings to young women, and the standard of excellence established at UW-Oshkosh."
 
A 2022 graduate from UW-Stevens Point, Jefferson has coached at Appleton North High School since earning his degree. He served as the offensive line coach for both the junior varsity and varsity football programs and was named the first head coach for the Lightning's girls flag football program in January. During the spring season, he was responsible for all aspects of the program and led the team to a 45-32 win over Appleton East High School in its first-ever game.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jefferson to the UW-Oshkosh family and are ready to support his trailblazing work with our inaugural women's flag football team", said Chancellor Manohar Singh. "This marks an exciting new chapter for Titan Athletics and for opportunities in women's sports in the region, state, nation, and world. As we continue to champion access, opportunity, and excellence across our university, this program—and the inspiring leadership guiding it—will open new doors for student-athletes to compete, lead, and thrive. As Titans grow, UWO wins, too!"
 
Jefferson, an Oshkosh native, added that he looks forward to building a winning culture with the student-athletes that will represent UW-Oshkosh and uniting the Oshkosh community in its continued support of women's sports.
 
Abby Gildernick, UW-Oshkosh's Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator, noted that the addition of women's flag football and Jefferson's hiring aligns with the Titans' tradition of excellence and commitment to expanding access to high-level athletic offerings. "UW-Oshkosh Athletics wants to be part of shaping the future of the NCAA and Deante will play a crucial role in our mission."
 
At the high school level, girls flag football has experienced a surge of participation nationwide with 15 states already sanctioning the sport and many more running pilot programs. 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.
 
Women's flag football also has a global spotlight on the horizon, with the sport set to debut as an Olympic event in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
 
Recruiting is already underway, with UW-Oshkosh focusing on Wisconsin and the Midwest while also connecting with high school programs where the sport is sanctioned or emerging. UW-Oshkosh leaders are working toward official kick off this spring. They plan on strong recruitment of new student-athletes for the 2027 season and subsequent seasons. The Titans' home games will be played both at the UW-Oshkosh Rec Plex Dome and J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. Spectators will be encouraged to bring their own seating for contests held inside the dome.
 
Flag football teams compete 7-on-7, with average rosters of about 25 players. Games are played in four 12-minute quarters on a field 80 yards long by 40 yards wide. The offense has four downs to cross each 20-yard line for a first down, with an option to punt on third down. Failure to advance results in a change of possession. Teams score six points for a touchdown and may attempt an additional one- or two-point play from five or 10 yards out. Unlike tackle football, there are no field goals or point-after kicks. Instead of tackling, competitors wear flag belts with two pop-flags fixed at their hips; play ends when a flag is pulled.