Kayla Pierce Takes the Helm of Saint Joseph's New Women's Flag Football Program
Saint Joseph's College of Maine announced the appointment of Kayla Pierce as the inaugural head coach of its newly established women's flag football team, a program set to begin competition in the spring of 2028.
Pierce, a lifelong resident of Acton, Maine, brings a blend of playing experience, coaching acumen, and academic expertise to the role, positioning the program at the forefront of a rapidly expanding sport.
The college will officially launch the team on August 17, with Pierce dedicating the next two years to building a competitive roster before the inaugural season kicks off in spring 2028.
Pierce's educational background includes a magna cum laude graduation from Robert Morris University in 2023, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and she is currently pursuing a master's degree in exercise science and health promotion with a focus on sports psychology.
Her coaching career began with the women's rugby program at Robert Morris, a position she has held since August 2024, and she also brings professional playing experience in flag and tackle football, including stints with the Pittsburgh Passion.
Beyond the field, Pierce has led flag football clinics through the Pittsburgh Steelers' iHeartRadio initiative and at Slippery Rock University, while also drawing on her work in counseling and wellness to shape player development.
The program will become the 21st varsity sport sponsored by Saint Joseph's, joining 21 Division III athletic teams that serve roughly 800 on‑campus students.
Women's flag football is experiencing national growth, with participation in over 40 states and recognition by 23 state high school associations as a sanctioned championship sport; more than 60,000 girls took part in youth leagues during the 2024‑25 season.
The sport was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January 2026, and its inaugural NCAA championship is projected for spring 2028, paving the way for an Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Saint Joseph's College, founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, remains Maine's only Catholic liberal arts college, offering more than 40 undergraduate programs and a historic commitment to academic and athletic excellence.