Catanese, Joan

Joan Catanese

Joan C. Catanese, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, brings more than 23 years of experience in education and athletics to her role at Millikin University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in English from Louisiana Tech University in 2001 and began her career in education and coaching in her hometown of Shreveport, where she quickly established herself as a respected teacher, mentor, and multi-sport coach.

In addition to her work in education, Catanese has an extensive background in football, having competed professionally in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) for three franchises. During her playing career, she served as a starting center and contributor on all special teams units, experiences that helped shape her coaching philosophy and passion for developing athletes both on and off the field.

At Huntington High School, Catanese led one of the state’s most successful track and field programs, culminating in the 4A Louisiana State Championship in 2023. Her leadership earned her recognition as State Coach of the Year for the 2021–2022 season and Louisiana State Track Coach of the Year for 2022–2023. Throughout her career in education, she has also been named Teacher of the Year three times and recognized as a Parish Finalist for her impact in the classroom and community.

Catanese’s football coaching experience spans multiple levels of the game, from middle school through the professional ranks. She played a key role in the resurgence of the Huntington High School football program, contributing to the team’s first playoff victory in 15 years and serving in numerous leadership roles including Freshman Head Coach, Varsity Offensive Line Coach, Running Backs/Fullbacks Coach, Tight Ends Coach, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, Specialists Coach, and Assistant Head Coach.

Her work in football earned her selection to the NFL Women’s Forum in 2022 and recognition as a Bill Walsh Diversity Fellow. Through this opportunity, she served on the Special Teams coaching staff during the Atlanta Falcons’ NFL Training Camp, gaining valuable professional experience at the highest level of the sport.

Catanese later joined the coaching staff at Millikin University, where she served as Tight Ends Coach and Specialists Coach for two seasons and as Special Teams Co-Coordinator for one season. She now serves as the inaugural Head Coach of Millikin University Women’s Flag Football, where she is leading the development and launch of the university’s new NCAA program while continuing to advocate for the growth of women in football and sport leadership.
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