ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa.—Elizabethtown College Athletics announced Michael Osayi as the first Head Women's Flag Football Coach.

"The hiring of Michael Osayi as our first women's flag football head coach marks an exciting and historic milestone for our athletics department and our College," Elizabethtown College Director of Athletics, Chris Morgan '91 said.  "As we launch this new program, we are committed to providing opportunities for women to compete, lead, and grow through intercollegiate athletics. We are thrilled to welcome Coach Osayi, who shares our vision for building a program rooted in excellence, integrity, and the student-athlete experience. Together, we will establish a strong foundation that will inspire future generations of student-athletes and create a lasting legacy for our institution."

Earlier this year, the College announced women's flag football as its 25^th varsity sport, with competition beginning in spring 2028. It is the athletics department first varsity addition since men's volleyball in 2018-19.

Osayi becomes Etown's first-ever Head Women's Flag Football Coach after spending the past four years as head flag football coach at JO Combs Middle School in San Tan Valley, Arizona.

"I am extremely grateful for the privilege to lead the inaugural women's flag football team at Elizabethtown College," Osayi said.  "I would like to thank Chris Morgan and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this responsibility. From the moment I first stepped onto campus, I could feel the energy and passion that the community has for the sport. Now is an exciting time for women's flag football as it is rapidly expanding and providing opportunities to women across the nation. Giving more women student-athletes the platform to showcase their talents at the collegiate level is a privilege that I am honored to be granted."

In his four years at JO Combs Middle School, Osayi led his team to a record of .500 or better each season and ended with a 29-11 overall record. While there he also acted as the physical education and weight training teacher. Throughout his time with the program, Osayi coached an All-State player and Defensive Player of the Year along with several All-Region selections.

Osayi is no stranger to the area as he served as the Middletown Area High School football team's offensive line coach during the 2020-21 school year. He also served as the strength and conditioning coach.

Osayi graduated from Middletown Area High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wilkes University in 2020. At Wilkes, Osayi was a member of the football team where he started all 40 games throughout his career and was a team captain. He went on to complete his Master of Arts in Sports Management and Leadership from East Stroudsburg University in 2021.

"Etown will be home to a flag football program where all members will be challenged every day to grow and improve on the journey to becoming the best version of themselves personally, academically and competitively. I look forward to becoming part of the campus community and building a program that serves all current and future Blue Jays," Osayi said.

Etown is exploring conference affiliations. Student-athletes interested in joining the inaugural program are encouraged to complete a recruiting questionnaire.