A historic appointment
Mississippi Valley State University announced the hiring of Arlo Henderson as the inaugural head coach of its women's flag football team, marking a milestone for the institution and for women's sports in the region.
Henderson, a former Valley player who starred from 1990 to 1994, returns to the campus with a deep understanding of the program's culture. After stints as the men's football general manager and special teams coordinator in 2025, he now adds head coach to his résumé while also serving as an assistant on the men's staff.
His coaching journey includes three years at Elite Football Academy, where he helped run youth flag football camps, and roles with St. Louis Rams Flag, the NFL HSPD Flag Camp, and Under Armour Under the Lights Flag Football. He also spent time at the UA Girls Camp in Orlando in 2023 and attended the NCMFC Coaches Clinic, experiences that have sharpened his focus on developing female athletes.
Beyond flag football, Henderson has led teams in the WFA Pro League and earned Coach of the Year honors, demonstrating his ability to compete at high levels across different formats of the game.
Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson, MVSU Director of Athletics, praised Henderson's blend of playing pedigree and coaching expertise, stating that his commitment aligns perfectly with the university's vision for expanding women's athletic opportunities.
Flag football's surge across the nation
The sport is among the fastest‑growing options for women in the United States, with nearly 100 colleges expected to field teams by the spring 2027 season. Mississippi Valley State and Millsaps College in Jackson are currently the only two institutions in Mississippi offering the sport, a fact that underscores the program's pioneering status.
The decision to add flag football came after the university eliminated women's soccer as a varsity offering in the fall of 2025, a move that reflects shifting priorities amid a national landscape where participation numbers continue to climb.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association recently completed its first full season in the spring of 2026, featuring 44 teams across the state. That momentum carried into the collegiate ranks, where two Warren County standouts — Vicksburg linebacker Ja’Keyla Curry and Warren Central quarterback Ka’ryn Henderson — have signed with Millsaps College, highlighting the growing pipeline of talent.
Looking ahead
While the university has not yet released its 2027 schedule or finalized a roster, officials say the program will draw on the expertise of its new head coach and the broader network of flag‑football organizations, including Elite Football Academy, St. Louis Rams Flag, and the WFA Pro League, to build a competitive foundation.