Jesse Siordia was named the first head coach in Eastern Michigan University women’s flag football history as the program begins competition in 2026-27. A proven program builder with deep experience in team development, operations, and growth of the sport across Michigan, Siordia brings a championship pedigree and a clear vision for launching EMU’s newest varsity team.

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.

Siordia earned a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Siena Heights University and an associate of science degree in business management from Baker College Auburn Hills. He and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski-Siordia, have three children, Gabrielle, Jacob, and Vincent.

Jesse Siordia File
Full Name: Jesse Siordia
Hometown: John F. Kennedy H.S – San Antonio, Texas
College: Siena Heights University – Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies
College: Baker College Auburn Hills – Associate of Science in Business Management
Family: Spouse – Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski-Siordia; Children – Gabrielle Siordia, Jacob Siordia, Vincent Siordia

Coaching Experience:
Year: Organization • Position • Notes
2026-Present: Eastern Michigan University • Head Coach • First head coach in program history
2024-26: Siena Heights University • Head Coach • 2026 NCFFL National Champion; 29-23 record
2023-Present: Gridiron Flag Football • Founder/Executive Director • Built southeast Michigan program to 500+ athletes
2023-Present: Rising Stars Academy • 7v7 Coach • Pontiac-based development program
2016-23: UA Under The Lights • Director of Operations/Coach • Grew participation from 160 to 1,200 athletes
2023-24: Waterford Kettering HS • Assistant Coach • High school football
2008-09: Walled Lake Western HS • Assistant Coach • High school football

Military Service:
United States Navy, 1999–2021
Retired E-6, Operations Specialist

Career Highlights:
• Founded Michigan’s first collegiate women’s flag football program at Siena Heights
• Led program to 2026 NCFFL National Championship
• Guided team to an 18-15 record in 2026 and an 11-8 inaugural season in 2025
• Built roster and operations from the ground up at Siena Heights
• Expanded youth flag football participation across Michigan through multiple programs
• More than 15 years of coaching experience across high school, 7v7, and flag football

	Name	Title	Phone	Email Address
	Jesse Siordia	Head Coach	734.487.1050	jsiordia@emich.edu
	Malcomb Ross	Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator

Eastern Michigan Athletics

2027 Flag Football Coaching Staff

Coaching Staff