During the 2025 Girls High School Flag Football season, the Cleveland Browns are proud to spotlight and support the leaders driving the growth of the sport across Northeast Ohio.
As part of the team's inaugural Coach of the Week program, 10 outstanding high school coaches have been recognized for their leadership, sportsmanship, impact on their teams and commitment to advancing girls flag football in their communities. Each Coach of the Week honoree will receive a $1,000 grant to support their program.
The Girls High School Flag Football program is presented by Gatorade and in association with Bridgestone.
Coach Alex Perez: Creating a Flag Football Family at Cleveland Central Catholic
Week 1 – Coach of the Week
For coach Alex Perez, flag football at Cleveland Central Catholic is more than a sport — it's a family. With four years of boys varsity football experience, two years leading girls flag football and six years coaching Special Olympics flag football, Perez has made a deep impact in just two years as head coach of the girls flag program. What began as a simple inquiry from interested students quickly grew into something more meaningful.
"The girls at school showed interest in the sport and they came to me to see if we could start the program," Perez said. "I have learned more coaching them as the head coach than I have coaching any other sport. It is like having a whole family I get to coach every week."
Perez's coaching philosophy revolves around more than just winning.
"We operate with [teamwork, sportsmanship, and character] as our only focus," he said. "Winning and losing happens, but these three ideas are the primary focus of our program."
That perspective shapes how he approaches both discipline and motivation.
"We handle most discipline as a team. We are only as strong as our weak spots," Perez said. "I motivate them by having their back and showing up every day."
His commitment extends far beyond the field — he often drives players to and from practice and even prepares meals each week.
"I do everything I can for my players," he said.
Family engagement is another cornerstone of Perez's program.
"I want families at every game, I even let them ride the bus with us if necessary," he said. "Families are the ones that make it possible for their kids to play."
That inclusive spirit has helped establish a culture of accountability and pride.
"Not a girl has played for me this season with an F," he pointed out, highlighting the team's academic discipline. "We have over half our roster with a 4.0 or higher GPA."
For Perez, success is measured not just in wins, but in how his players grow on and off the field.
Ultimately, Perez hopes his players leave with more than just memories of the game.
"I want them to realize that being part of a community is good and that they can become better people through sports," he said.
Through mental toughness developed in games and translated into the classroom, and through the strong sense of belonging he fosters, Perez is creating a legacy rooted in transformation.
"I want these girls to leave better than I got them and the families to know we did a great thing," Perez said.
Coach Becca Moore: Building a Legacy Through Flag Football in Massillon
Week 2 – Coach of the Week
In her first year as head coach of the Massillon Girls Flag Football team, Becca Moore is already making waves—not just in the win-loss column, but also in the hearts and futures of the young athletes she leads. With years of coaching experience in cheerleading, track and field and adaptive sports, Moore brings a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to this new chapter of her coaching journey. But for Moore, the decision to step into the world of flag football wasn't just a career move—it was a calling.
"I have watched from the sidelines as my husband poured his heart into coaching boys' football," she shared. "That impact stirred something in me. I realized there weren't nearly enough spaces where girls were getting those same life-shaping experiences through a sport, especially football."
Moore's coaching philosophy is built on more than just Xs and Os. She emphasizes leadership, discipline and character, teaching her players that "flag football is more than just a game. It's a chance to learn how to lead under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and push beyond what you thought was possible." Her approach to coaching centers on empowering her athletes to become confident leaders on and off the field. From maintaining a strict practice dress code to reinforcing punctuality, Moore instills a culture of accountability and pride.
"Once expectations are clear and consistently enforced, discipline issues tend to disappear," she said. "The girls start to hold each other accountable, which is even more powerful than coach-led discipline."
That culture extends to how Moore works with families as well. Using apps like Remind and encouraging face-to-face conversations, she builds strong, trusting relationships between coaches, players and parents.
"When families are informed, included, and respected, it strengthens the connection between home and team," she said.
Though it's their first year, the team has already started to find its place in the broader community, even being invited to participate in the Memorial Day Parade—something Moore sees as a sign of the team's growing presence and importance. Ultimately, Moore's vision extends far beyond the field.
"We hope our players walk away from this experience knowing they were part of something bigger than themselves," she said.
Whether it's supporting players through academic struggles or helping them gain visibility for college recruitment, she is committed to preparing her athletes for life. As both a coach and mother—her daughter plays on the team, and her husband Nate Moore is head coach of the boys' team—football is a family affair in the Moore household.
"Just imagine how competitive it is at our dinner table," she joked.
But the impact of Moore's work is no joke at all.
"I want my legacy to be about building something lasting—a culture where girls feel empowered, where inclusion matters, and where no one gets left behind."
In just one season, she's well on her way to doing exactly that.
Coach Peyton McBride: Empowering the Next Generation at Westerville Central
Week 3 – Coach of the Week
In just her first year coaching girls flag football at Westerville Central, Peyton McBride is already making an indelible impact—not just on the field, but also in the lives of her players. A year-round coach who also serves as an assistant coach for volleyball and basketball and as the head coach for girls track and field, McBride was tapped for the new flag football program by the school's head football coach.
"My athletic director figured since I coach all of the other sports, it would be an easy transition into coaching flag," she shared.
Though she had no prior experience with the sport, McBride embraced the challenge.
"With an open mind and a lot of support. [...] We as a team have been able to do some tremendous things,"McBride said.
Her approach to coaching is grounded in character, teamwork and shared accountability—lessons she took from her five-year career playing Division I basketball at Ohio University.
"You are only as good as your teammate next to you," McBride emphasized. "We win together and also lose together."
She instills in her athletes the importance of representing not just themselves, but also their families and school with pride and class, reinforcing that perception and character go hand in hand.
But beyond wins and losses, McBride focuses on personal growth and empowerment. She beams with pride as she talks about the diverse achievements of her players: from a wheelchair-bound student who found success on the field, to another being recruited to play Division I flag football.
"No matter who the individual is, they will be celebrated equally," she said. "Being a young multiethnic woman myself, I know how important it is to feel seen and heard."
Her coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding and nurturing each athlete's unique goals, a commitment that began with preseason conversations about expectations and discipline.
"Even if they may not be friends in school, they all understand what it means to be a great teammate when it comes to flag," McBride said.
For McBride, coaching extends beyond the field. As a teacher in the same building, she sees her athletes in both academic and athletic environments, allowing for a deeper connection. She also recognizes the critical role of families in supporting the team, establishing strong relationships with parents and building a community of trust and involvement.
"We have a group chat where all of the parents share pictures, volunteer to bring snacks, and even help carpool," she said.
McBride's legacy is still unfolding, but her hope is clear.
"I hope that in a few years, when this sport has grown and received the recognition it deserves, these young women remember the feeling of being the first," McBride shared.
Coach Lisa Longino: Leading with Purpose at Shaw
Week 4 – Coach of the Week
With more than two decades of coaching experience spanning volleyball, basketball, track, swimming, soccer and now flag football, coach Lisa Longino is no stranger to the transformative power of sports. Currently serving as the Physical Education Pedagogist Specialist and Lead Teacher of Athletics and Attendance for East Cleveland City Schools, Longino's career has always centered on nurturing the whole child—physically, mentally and emotionally. Her motivation to coach flag football was driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.
"I saw flag football as an opportunity to introduce a dynamic, fast-growing sport that builds confidence, teamwork and discipline in a non-contact, inclusive environment," Longino explained. "That inspiration has shaped my coaching journey by driving me to focus on character development as much as skill-building."
At the heart of Longino's coaching philosophy lies a powerful belief in the value of teamwork, sportsmanship and character.
"I emphasize communication, trust and mutual respect, teaching athletes to uplift and rely on one another both in competition and in life," she said. "Character is the foundation of everything I coach."
Whether on the field or off, she prioritizes life lessons that stick, helping athletes become confident, resilient individuals. Her leadership model reflects restorative discipline and motivational mentorship.
"I motivate my players by building strong, trusting relationships and setting clear, meaningful goals. [...] When discipline issues arise, I approach them with fairness, consistency and care," she said, emphasizing her focus on growth.
Longino's commitment extends far beyond the sidelines. She actively engages in school and community initiatives, partnering with organizations such as Marathon Kids, GEN Youth and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to promote health and wellness. Her collaborations with Case Western Reserve University and local faith leaders highlight her holistic approach to student well-being.
"It truly takes a village, and I'm proud to be a part of that East Cleveland City School District village for every student-athlete I coach," Longino affirmed.
In the end, Longino measures her success by the personal growth of her players.
"I hope my players walk away not only as better student-athletes, but as stronger, more confident individuals," she said. "I want them to know their voice matters, that they're capable of pushing through adversity."
From empowering girls with disabilities to lead on and off the field, to advocating for quality physical education across Ohio, Longino is leaving a lasting legacy rooted in empowerment, equity, and excellence.
"My mission is to help all children realize their full potential and encourage them to aim higher—not just in sports, but in education, wellness, and life as a whole," Longino said.
Coach Ben Bruns: Building a Legacy of Love, Football, and Faith at Lutheran East
Week 5 – Coach of the Week
In just two years as head coach of the Lutheran East girls flag football team, Ben Bruns has built a program rooted in passion, character and purpose. His journey into coaching was inspired by a lifelong love of the game, a drive to empower young women through sport and, personally, by the birth of his daughter in 2023.
"When I was offered to coach the new flag football team at Lutheran East in spring 2024, I said yes in large part because of my daughter," Bruns shared. "I wanted to get involved with the sport so my daughter knows that she is able to play this great game I love."
Bruns' coaching philosophy is deeply grounded in values that transcend the football field—teamwork, sportsmanship and character. He teaches his players that "your contributions are important, but they do not supersede that of the team," emphasizing humility and mutual respect. When it comes to sportsmanship, Bruns instills a sense of admiration for opponents' efforts, regardless of the outcome.
"Character is being reliable, being honest, being humble and exhibiting those traits in all that you do," he explained.
Balancing competitive success with personal growth is a central tenet of Bruns' coaching approach. After a tough 1-7 inaugural season, the team's first playoff win—against a team that had previously defeated them—was a turning point.
"It proved to them that they are talented and they are capable," he said.
That resilience has carried into this season, where the team is again finding its footing. Discipline and motivation are handled with care and intention.
"I motivate players through positive reinforcement," Bruns noted. "It's great to have the girls on the team come up to me and say, 'Mr./Mrs. so and so said I had a great game.'"
Bruns also prioritizes connection with players, families and the broader community. Weekly emails, parent communication and cross-school events like the senior night scrimmage with Lutheran West foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. For Bruns, coaching is not just about football—it's about shaping lives.
"I hope players come away from this experience knowing that they are loved and valued and that they are capable of great things," he said.
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind?
"Love, respect, and faith [...] that Coach Bruns led his team with Christian principles of love, forgiveness and grace," he said.
Coach Cooper Olajuwon: Shaping the Future of Flag Football at Edgewood
Week 6 – Coach of the Week
In just his first season leading the Edgewood girls flag football team, coach Cooper Olajuwon has already helped craft something special. With a deep background in football, track and field and basketball, Olajuwon brings more than 14 years of coaching experience to this new venture. What drew him to flag football, however, was more than his resume; it was an opportunity to grow the game and give young women a meaningful chance to compete.
"As an ambassador of football, I was compelled to help in any way possible to grow this great game," he said. "The response from our girls when we surveyed them was astounding. They wanted this, and I was honored to help make it happen."
Olajuwon's coaching philosophy centers around three core values: teamwork, sportsmanship and character.
"Teamwork ignites the will to win and get better daily," he explained. "Sportsmanship is the name of the game. [...] It's extremely important to me to win with class and lose with class."
But it's character that he sees as the foundation.
"Character is who you really are when no one is watching," Olajuwon said. "It's what sustains you in critical moments."
He emphasized these values consistently, not just in competition, but also in everyday interactions—building players not only into athletes but also into strong individuals. Under Olajuwon's leadership, the Edgewood team was undefeated (8-0) in the regular season, with recent wins over strong programs. Yet, for him, success isn't only defined by the scoreboard.
"Knowing my athletes well enough to recognize their personal wins, how they've grown from where they started, is just as important as the team's record," he said.
His approach to player motivation is rooted in joy.
"Our players are motivated by the experience as a whole, from the uniforms to the bus rides,"he said. "They love being around each other and they play hard every week."
What Olajuwon hopes to leave behind is not a personal legacy, but a legacy for the sport itself.
"My only hope is that flag football grows exponentially over the next decade and becomes a sanctioned high school sport," he said. "I want to grow the game amongst Ashtabula County schools."
For now, with his team thriving and players learning life lessons on the field—like never being intimidated by flash or distractions—he's making that vision a reality, one undefeated week at a time.
Coach Myndi Allen: Inspiring Future Leaders at Perry
Week 7 – Coach of the Week
Coach Myndi Allen has spent the last 17 years shaping young athletes, starting with youth football and gradually taking on more responsibilities, including becoming the head coach of Perry High School's girls flag football team. A passionate coach and advocate for the sport, Allen's journey began as the only girl playing football with the boys at recess. She found ways to stay involved in the sport, and over time, her commitment evolved into a love for mentoring others, especially young girls.
"When Coach Matt Rosati asked me to join him 5 years ago to put together a HS Girls Flag team, I was over the moon excited," Allen recalled.
This moment marked the beginning of her legacy in the world of high school girls flag football. Allen's coaching philosophy is rooted in service, both to the players and to the broader community. She holds every member of her team to a high standard, emphasizing that no player is more important than another.
"As a team, we are to lift one another up, celebrate everyone's success, and show up, be reliable and committed," she said.
Her approach combines hard work, accountability and a focus on personal growth, even through adversity. She encourages her players to embrace mistakes as part of the process and to never give up. Her mentality not only fosters strong athletic skills but also builds resilience in life off the field.
"As long as we don't quit, we don't lose," she said.
One of Allen's most rewarding experiences has been seeing her players grow into leaders. She's particularly proud of the opportunities that have come their way, such as the chance to play at the Canton Hall of Fame Stadium and attend an Under Armour Next Camp. These experiences not only highlight their athletic success but also inspire them to envision a future in college athletics.
"These girls have realized the sky is the limit for their future," she said, reflecting on how the sport has opened doors for them.
Beyond the field, Allen's work encourages her players to give back, as evidenced by the Flag Football Clinic her senior player organized for middle school girls, which helped introduce the game to a new generation. In all that she does, Allen's mission is to serve and inspire.
"I believe my purpose in life is to serve others," she shared.
Allen's commitment to her community is reflected in her years of volunteer coaching and her service as Assistant Athletic Director. She leaves behind a legacy built on faith, family and football, making a profound impact on her players, the Perry High School community and the young girls who now dream of playing flag football. Through her efforts, she's shaping not just athletes, but also confident, resilient young women ready to face life's challenges.
"I hope that my legacy will be that I cared and loved everyone," Allen said.
Coach Kanisha Coward: Building Confidence and Breaking Barriers at Maple Heights
Week 8 – Coach of the Week
Coach Kanisha Coward's journey into flag football coaching was sparked by a single moment: attending the 2022 high school girls flag championship game. It was an eye-opening experience, as she realized that many of her own players weren't getting the opportunity to participate in a sport she loved. Motivated to create a platform for young girls in her community, Coward set out to establish a flag football program that would empower her athletes with new opportunities for growth.
"I was determined to create a program for my girls, giving them the chance to try something new and expose them to a sport I love," she recalled.
This passion for flag football has not only transformed her coaching journey, but also impacted the lives of her players both on and off the field. Coward's coaching philosophy centers on teamwork, respect and character. She believes that building a cohesive team where everyone supports one another is crucial to success.
"Sportsmanship is about respect. You have to have respect for your teammates, your coaches, your opponents and the game itself," she shared.
By setting high standards for her players, Coward helps them develop both athletic skills and personal integrity. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and the growth mindset, teaching her athletes to view setbacks as learning opportunities.
"Competitive success and personal growth go hand in hand. I teach them to trust the process, and success will follow," Coward explained.
In addition to focusing on athletic development, Coward understands the importance of fostering strong relationships with her players' families. She regularly communicates with parents and guardians to ensure that both the athletes and their families feel supported.
"I believe that when families are involved, the players feel supported not only on the field but in all aspects of their lives," she said.
This strong connection builds trust and creates a positive, cohesive team environment. Coward's commitment to her players extends beyond flag football, as she seeks to teach them life skills that will serve them in all areas of their lives. She strives to instill confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility in each of her athletes, ensuring they leave her program as better individuals.
Coward's impact on her players is not limited to the field; it extends into their personal lives as well. One of her players, for instance, struggled with balancing schoolwork and practice, but through flag football, she learned to manage her time more effectively, resulting in improved grades and greater confidence. Coward believes that sports are powerful tools for teaching life lessons.
"Sports are a great way to teach life lessons such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management," she said.
Through her advocacy for flag football, Coward hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment, showing young girls that they can excel both in sports and in life. She is committed to creating lasting change in her community, inspiring the next generation of athletes to break down barriers and believe in their potential.
Coach Karen Battle: Cultivating Confidence and Character at Cleveland Heights
Week 9 – Coach of the Week
Coach Karen Battle, with over 20 years of coaching experience across sports like volleyball, track and basketball, is now in her second year leading the girls flag football program at Cleveland Heights. After spending a decade coaching girls basketball, she embraced the opportunity to expand her reach and connect with a more diverse group of student-athletes.
"Coaching girls flag has allowed me to teach skill development to athletes for whom this is often their first sport," Battle said. "It's been a blessing to help them balance sports and academics while fostering new skills."
For Battle, teamwork, sportsmanship and character are the foundations of a successful team. She emphasizes the importance of athletes supporting one another, especially in times of difficulty.
"When a teammate is feeling down, it is the expectation of others to ensure they feel supported," she explained.
Battle also works closely with her players, setting personalized goals to help each one develop both on the field and as individuals.
"I try to tailor my coaching to the way each athlete learns best," she added.
Battle strongly believes in the importance of family involvement and works diligently to build strong relationships with players' families.
"Without the support of parents, the program will struggle," she said.
She makes it a priority to greet and engage with parents before or after games, offering feedback on their children's progress and areas for growth. This connection between home and the field creates a unified approach to supporting each player.
Beyond the field, Battle recognizes the life lessons that sports, particularly flag football, can teach. She recalled an instance during a game when a quarterback supported a teammate who had made a mistake, showing resilience and teamwork.
"The lesson was clear: it's okay to trust others, even when they mess up," Battle said.
She hopes her athletes take away a sense of self-belief and resilience that will serve them both on the field and in life. Through her dedication, she continues to inspire and empower her athletes to achieve their goals, both academically and athletically.
Coach Heather O'Neil: Coaching with Heart at Rhodes
Week 10 – Coach of the Week
Heather O'Neal has embarked on an inspiring coaching journey, making an undeniable impact at Rhodes High School in her first year as the head coach of the girls flag football team. With a background as the assistant coach for the girls basketball team, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her motivation for starting the flag football program came from the needs and desires of her athletes.
"When I first became aware of this program two years ago, to see the look on the ladies' faces, the excitement, the smiles, the chatter, I simply could not walk away," she shared.
With a passion for working with at-risk youth, O'Neal also serves as a Linkage Coordinator for the CTAG program, helping young women set and achieve their academic and personal goals.
O'Neal's approach to coaching emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship and character. She believes that "teamwork is number one" and instills a high standard of kindness and compassion within her athletes. Her players are taught to treat others how they would like to be treated, whether it's helping an opponent up or praising others during games. Through this mindset, O'Neal fosters a positive team environment where growth, both on and off the field, is a priority. She also ensures her athletes are not only competitive but do so with respect and humility.
"Winning is great, but it's how you handle losing that makes you a winner," she emphasized.
Building strong relationships with players' families is another crucial aspect of O'Neal's coaching philosophy. She maintains open lines of communication with both athletes and their families, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This close connection enables O'Neal to provide the best support for her players, both in athletics and personal development.
"The parents and I help each other, maybe to figure out if something is going on, how to help the child," she noted.
Her goal is to show her athletes that they matter—not just as athletes, but as individuals with goals, aspirations and the potential to succeed in all areas of life.
Ultimately, O'Neal hopes her athletes take away life lessons that extend far beyond the field. She stresses the importance of hard work, leadership and perseverance, while also encouraging them to dream big.
"There is scholarship money available to them if they work hard, stay on track academically and focus on their future," she said, underscoring the role that flag football can play in opening doors for educational opportunities.
Her personal reward is watching her athletes grow, academically and athletically, and knowing that she has made a positive difference in their lives.
"At the end of the day, I am here for them, as they have been here for me," O'Neal reflected, reinforcing her commitment to her players' success on and off the field.
Want to start a Girls Flag Football program at your school? Reach out to us at youthfootball@clevelandbrowns.com to learn how to get started.
