DECATUR, Ill. – For Joan “Coach Cat” Catanese, new Women's Flag Football Head Coach, leading 鶹Լ’s inaugural team in the sport is both a rare privilege and a meaningful responsibility.
鶹Լ recently announced the creation of , and Catanese was chosen as the team’s first Head Coach, who will prepare the program for its first competition beginning spring 2027. With a wealth of experience as a player, mentor, and leader in both Women’s and Men’s football, Catanese brings passion, vision, and expertise to this historic new chapter in Big Blue athletics.
“It’s a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up,” she said. “I want to create a strong foundation for our young women and leave a lasting legacy here at 鶹Լ.”
Flag football is among the fastest-growing sports for women, having recently been approved as an NCAA Emerging Sport and is set to debut in the 2028 Olympics. Catanese sees 鶹Լ’s early commitment to the sport as both forward-thinking and empowering.
“I’m proud of 鶹Լ for being at the forefront,” she added. “We can make an impact not just on campus, but on the future of the sport itself.”
Catanese grew up in Shreveport, La., where her love for football began as a way to connect with her father. That passion carried her through an impressive playing career in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), where she suited up for teams including the Shreveport Aftershock, Northeast Texas Knockouts, and Louisiana Fuel.
In 2022, Catanese was selected to participate in the NFL Women’s Forum, one of only 45 individuals worldwide chosen for the prestigious program. The Forum is part of the NFL’s ongoing efforts to increase opportunities for women in football operations, coaching, and scouting, connecting aspiring leaders with executives, head coaches, and owners from across the league.
“Being part of the Forum was incredibly humbling,” Catanese said. “I was surrounded by so many talented professionals who shared the same passion for football. It showed me that there’s a place for women at every level of the game.”
The Forum not only allowed her to network with leaders in the sport but also helped her secure a spot in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Atlanta Falcons, where she gained first-hand experience at training camp. The program, named after Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, is designed to give minority and underrepresented coaches exposure to NFL practices and mentorship opportunities.
“That experience showed me you can do anything as long as you don’t limit yourself. Athletes – no matter the level – just want coaches who will invest in them and help them reach their goals,” she said. “Going through that process made me realize you can do anything if you don’t limit yourself. It pushed me to grow as a coach and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.”
Most recently, Catanese has spent the past two seasons on 鶹Լ’s football staff, learning under former Head Coach Carlton Hall and new Head Coach Billy Riebock. She credits their mentorship, as well as the deep loyalty of 鶹Լ alumni, for strengthening her connection to the University and inspiring her to step into this new role.
With competition set to begin in spring 2027, Catanese is already focused on recruiting the program’s first class of student-athletes. She envisions a roster of around 20 players, with flexibility to grow depending on interest and talent. Flag football’s speed, strategy, and high-scoring excitement make it an attractive option for athletes across sports.
“Flag football is a fast-paced game, and the skill sets translate from basketball, soccer, and track and field,” Catanese said. “We want student-athletes who are hungry to compete but also want a great education and to help shape a program that will make history.”
For Catanese, the heart of the program is about more than wins and losses—it’s about opportunity and visibility.
“If young women can see it, they can be it,” she said. “This program gives them a platform to compete, to grow, and to know there are no limits on what they can achieve.”
