Eastern Michigan Athletics
Jesse Siordia Named Eastern Michigan Head Women’s Flag Football Coach
5/14/2026 3:00:00 PM | Flag Football
The San Antonio, Texas, native was selected as the program's first head coach
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee announced today, May 14, the hiring of Jesse Siordia as the first head coach in the history of the women's flag football program.
The addition of Siordia marks a major step as Eastern Michigan prepares to launch competition in spring 2027, following the NCAA's designation of women's flag football as an Emerging Sport.
"Jesse is a program builder with a clear vision for success," said Wetherbee. "He has led at every level of the sport and understands how to grow the game, develop student-athletes, and build a culture that competes for championships. His experience starting and sustaining a collegiate program made him the right choice to lead Eastern Michigan into this new era."
Siordia brings a proven record of building programs and producing results. He most recently served as the head women's flag football coach at Siena Heights University, where he founded Michigan's first collegiate varsity program and quickly established it as a national contender.
"After 23 years in the Navy, I learned that strong teams are built through trust, discipline, sacrifice, and belief in something bigger than yourself," Siordia said. "Winning the National Collegiate Flag Football Championship at Siena Heights University proved what can happen when athletes fully buy into that vision. I'm incredibly thankful to the leadership at Eastern Michigan University for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to build something special here. I also wouldn't be in this position without the constant support of my wife and family, who have stood beside me through every long season, road trip, and challenge along the way. I'm excited to bring a championship mentality, relentless work ethic, and passion for growing women's flag football to EMU and help build one of the top programs in the state and country."
In only its second season, Siena Heights captured the 2026 National Collegiate Flag Football League National Championship. The Saints closed the year with an 18-15 overall record and won three straight elimination games on championship Sunday to secure the title. The run included a 13-7 quarterfinal win over Penn West California, a 22-14 overtime victory against Villa Maria in the semifinals, and a 14-0 shutout of the College of Staten Island in the championship game.
The championship capped a season of steady growth. Siena Heights averaged 217.8 yards per game in 2026, including 167.2 passing yards per contest, while competing against a national schedule. The program also showed defensive resilience during its title run, holding two tournament opponents scoreless.
Siordia built the foundation during the program's inaugural 2025 season. The Saints finished 11-8 overall and averaged 19.5 points per game, setting an early standard for competitiveness and player development. Across two seasons, the program posted a 29-23 record and quickly gained national recognition.
Beyond wins and losses, Siordia oversaw every aspect of the program's launch and growth. He led recruiting efforts that brought in more than 20 student-athletes in the first class and expanded the roster beyond initial targets. He constructed schedules, managed operations and budgets, and built a strong digital presence that elevated the program's and the sport's visibility.
His impact extends well beyond the collegiate level. Siordia has been a driving force in the growth of flag football throughout Michigan for nearly a decade.
As director of operations for UA Under the Lights since 2016, he has overseen rapid expansion, growing participation from 160 athletes to more than 1,200. He has also coached flag and 7v7 travel teams within the organization, helping develop athletes who have advanced to higher levels of competition.
In 2023, Siordia founded Gridiron Flag Football, a southeast Michigan program that reached more than 500 youth participants in its first year. He also launched Gridiron Academy, which provides combines, recruiting education, and national exposure opportunities for athletes seeking to play at the collegiate level.
Siordia's coaching background includes experience at multiple levels of football. He coached at Walled Lake Western High School from 2008-09 and returned to the high school ranks at Waterford Kettering in 2023. He has also worked with the Rising Stars Academy in Pontiac, where he coached a 7v7 team beginning in 2023.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Siordia served in the United States Navy from 1999-21. His service included a deployment to Afghanistan from 2011-12. His military experience has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and a team-first culture.
Eastern Michigan's addition of women's flag football brings the department to 21 varsity sports and reflects continued investment in emerging opportunities for student-athletes. The Eagles will begin building their inaugural roster immediately, with competition set for spring 2027.
Women's flag football continues to grow across the country at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. With national participation rising and an Olympic debut scheduled for 2028, the sport's momentum continues to accelerate.
With Siordia in place, Eastern Michigan begins the next phase of building its program, focused on establishing a competitive foundation and long-term success.
More information on EMU women's flag football, including staff additions and schedule updates, will be announced as it becomes available.
The addition of Siordia marks a major step as Eastern Michigan prepares to launch competition in spring 2027, following the NCAA's designation of women's flag football as an Emerging Sport.
"Jesse is a program builder with a clear vision for success," said Wetherbee. "He has led at every level of the sport and understands how to grow the game, develop student-athletes, and build a culture that competes for championships. His experience starting and sustaining a collegiate program made him the right choice to lead Eastern Michigan into this new era."
Siordia brings a proven record of building programs and producing results. He most recently served as the head women's flag football coach at Siena Heights University, where he founded Michigan's first collegiate varsity program and quickly established it as a national contender.
"After 23 years in the Navy, I learned that strong teams are built through trust, discipline, sacrifice, and belief in something bigger than yourself," Siordia said. "Winning the National Collegiate Flag Football Championship at Siena Heights University proved what can happen when athletes fully buy into that vision. I'm incredibly thankful to the leadership at Eastern Michigan University for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to build something special here. I also wouldn't be in this position without the constant support of my wife and family, who have stood beside me through every long season, road trip, and challenge along the way. I'm excited to bring a championship mentality, relentless work ethic, and passion for growing women's flag football to EMU and help build one of the top programs in the state and country."
In only its second season, Siena Heights captured the 2026 National Collegiate Flag Football League National Championship. The Saints closed the year with an 18-15 overall record and won three straight elimination games on championship Sunday to secure the title. The run included a 13-7 quarterfinal win over Penn West California, a 22-14 overtime victory against Villa Maria in the semifinals, and a 14-0 shutout of the College of Staten Island in the championship game.
The championship capped a season of steady growth. Siena Heights averaged 217.8 yards per game in 2026, including 167.2 passing yards per contest, while competing against a national schedule. The program also showed defensive resilience during its title run, holding two tournament opponents scoreless.
Siordia built the foundation during the program's inaugural 2025 season. The Saints finished 11-8 overall and averaged 19.5 points per game, setting an early standard for competitiveness and player development. Across two seasons, the program posted a 29-23 record and quickly gained national recognition.
Beyond wins and losses, Siordia oversaw every aspect of the program's launch and growth. He led recruiting efforts that brought in more than 20 student-athletes in the first class and expanded the roster beyond initial targets. He constructed schedules, managed operations and budgets, and built a strong digital presence that elevated the program's and the sport's visibility.
His impact extends well beyond the collegiate level. Siordia has been a driving force in the growth of flag football throughout Michigan for nearly a decade.
As director of operations for UA Under the Lights since 2016, he has overseen rapid expansion, growing participation from 160 athletes to more than 1,200. He has also coached flag and 7v7 travel teams within the organization, helping develop athletes who have advanced to higher levels of competition.
In 2023, Siordia founded Gridiron Flag Football, a southeast Michigan program that reached more than 500 youth participants in its first year. He also launched Gridiron Academy, which provides combines, recruiting education, and national exposure opportunities for athletes seeking to play at the collegiate level.
Siordia's coaching background includes experience at multiple levels of football. He coached at Walled Lake Western High School from 2008-09 and returned to the high school ranks at Waterford Kettering in 2023. He has also worked with the Rising Stars Academy in Pontiac, where he coached a 7v7 team beginning in 2023.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Siordia served in the United States Navy from 1999-21. His service included a deployment to Afghanistan from 2011-12. His military experience has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and a team-first culture.
Eastern Michigan's addition of women's flag football brings the department to 21 varsity sports and reflects continued investment in emerging opportunities for student-athletes. The Eagles will begin building their inaugural roster immediately, with competition set for spring 2027.
Women's flag football continues to grow across the country at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. With national participation rising and an Olympic debut scheduled for 2028, the sport's momentum continues to accelerate.
With Siordia in place, Eastern Michigan begins the next phase of building its program, focused on establishing a competitive foundation and long-term success.
More information on EMU women's flag football, including staff additions and schedule updates, will be announced as it becomes available.
Ty Stecko Postgame Interview - May 14, 2026
Friday, May 15
Boys shoved😤
Thursday, May 14
Eastern Players, Coaches Recap the 2026 Tallahassee Regional
Wednesday, May 13
That’s a baaaddddd man behind the plate😤
Monday, May 11