Millikin University head women's flag football coach Joan Catanese spent the weekend at the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) Convention Washington, D.C., serving as a panelist on the Women in Sports panel. Catanese joined leaders from across the football landscape to discuss the continued growth of opportunities for women in the sport and the expansion of leadership pathways within football.
Catanese also serves as a member of the NCMFC Executive Committee and was featured alongside Jennifer King, Mickey Grace, Angellica Grayson and Jill Gigliardi during the event. The annual convention serves as the organization's premier professional development gathering, bringing together coaches, administrators and industry leaders for education, mentorship and networking opportunities designed to advance the game and create meaningful access across all levels of football.
Established in 2020, the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches is dedicated to preparing, promoting and producing qualified minority coaches while advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within football leadership roles. Catanese's participation reflects Millikin University's continued investment in leadership development and innovation as the Big Blue prepares to launch its inaugural Women's Flag Football program, further elevating the university's presence in the national conversation surrounding the growth of women's football.
She was also selected to participate in the NCAA & NFL Coaches Academy, scheduled for February 18–21 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The highly selective program brings together NCAA coaches from across the country for an intensive leadership and professional development experience designed to strengthen coaching effectiveness, mentorship, and career advancement within intercollegiate athletics.
Catanese's selection highlights Millikin's continued commitment to leadership and innovation as the institution prepares to launch its inaugural women's flag football program. The NCAA & NFL Coaches Academy provides participants the opportunity to engage with national leaders in football and athletics administration while developing strategies focused on program building, student-athlete development, and the continued growth of the game.
As Millikin builds one of the emerging NCAA women's flag football programs in the region, Catanese's participation further elevates the visibility of the Big Blue on a national stage and reinforces the university's investment in the advancement of women in football and coaching leadership.
