A Fresh Wave of Talent for Cal Poly's Inaugural Season
The upcoming IFAF World Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, will showcase a new generation of flag football talent, and two of the most promising names are set to wear the Mustangs' colors next fall. Both Ashlea Klam and Maci Joncich have accepted invitations to join Cal Poly’s fledgling program, bringing with them a blend of collegiate experience and international exposure.
Klam arrives after a standout tenure at Keiser University, where she earned All‑Conference honors for two consecutive seasons and amassed a fourth straight year on the USA Women’s National Team roster. Her consistent performance on the field has made her a fixture in the national setup, and her move to San Luis Obispo signals a strategic push by the coaching staff to anchor the defense with a proven veteran.
Joncich, just 17, burst onto the scene as a freshman quarterback and receiver for the University of Florida, guiding the Gators to the NIRSA National Championship and being named Tournament MVP. Her rapid ascent earned her a place on the Senior USA National Team, where she was recognized as the youngest player in Team USA history. The youngster’s versatility and leadership are expected to add depth to Cal Poly’s offensive schemes.
Head coach Rod Sherman and his assistant Kristen Sherman have been instrumental in recruiting these high‑caliber athletes, emphasizing the program’s ambition to compete at the highest level from its first season. Their efforts reflect a broader vision of elevating the Mustangs’ flag football team into a national contender.
Beyond individual accolades, the arrivals of Klam and Joncich underscore the growing visibility of women’s flag football in the United States. As the sport prepares for its debut at the 2028 Olympics, programs like Cal Poly are laying the groundwork for sustained excellence, drawing talent from across the country and abroad.