Irvine Valley is excited to announce Sami Logan as the head coach of the first flag community college women's flag football team in California.
Irvine Valley Dean and Athletic Director Keith Shackleford has been enthusiastic about the new sport starting up at IVC.
"In response to a massive groundswell in interest in (high school) girls' flag football, Irvine Valley will be the first college in California to sponsor the sport at the varsity level," Shackleford said when the program was announced at the beginning of 2024.
"Thanks to the efforts of Orange County high schools and orgranizations like Matt Leinart Flag Football, IVC sees this as an opportunity to serve the community and provide an additional pipeline to college training and the scholarships growning annually at the four-year level."
Student-athletes started training through a class under Logan in March and will continue with summer workouts before playing a non-traditional schedule in the fall.
The first official season of women's flag football will begin in the spring of 2025.
"We will be sure to keep the flag football community apprised of developments in our program and hopefully others locally who choose to follow suit," Shackleford said.
Logan is eager to take on the challenge with the Lasers.
"Football has been a big part of my life from a very young age, with my father being a very successful high school football coach," Logan said of her learning the game from her successful father and Corona Centemnial Matt Logan, who became the all-time winningest coach in the Inland Empire in the fall of 2023. "My early exposure to the sport involved participating in flag football, despite being the only girl on the team.
"As I reached a certain age, most boys transitioned to tackle football, but unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to play. However this didn't stop my passion for the game as I continued my football journey as my father's ball girl until my high school years."
Logan was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball and softball and eventually she chose to focus solely on basketball. During her senior year, she committed to play basketball at Cal State Fullerton.
"But it was also during my senior year that I participated in a powderpuff football game, which then led to playing on the varsity football team (at Centennial). The inspiration for this decision was more than just joining the varsity football team. I threw a pass in honor of breast cancer awareness, a cause deeply personal to both me and a teammate, as we had both lost our mothers to breast cancer."
Following her collegiate basketball career, which included transferring to Nova Southeastern University and reaching the NCAA Tournament, Logan decided to explore her passing for football during the COVID-affected times. She tried out and played for teams in both the X-League and the WNFC professional women's tackle football leagues.
"Unfortunately, circumstances and injuries forced me to temporarily halt my playing career, leading me to shift my focus to my professional pursuits," she said. "The moment I heard about the announcement of girls flag football as a CIF sport, I couldn't help but feel a little bit of jealousy mixed with overwhelming excitement.
"This realization marked a pivotal moment in my career trajectory, prompting a shift towards coaching that I am genuinely thrilled about. The opportunity to be part of the journey of girls flag football, both as a coach and as a contributor to its growth, has brought an excitement into my professional life. I am looking forward to this new chapter and the experiences that will come with it."
Logan began coaching flag football last year at Corona Centennial where her father has dedicated more than 25 years to coaching one of the best programs in the state.
"It was an amazing experience to be the founding coach of that program at Centennial, and it allowed me to see the potential and enthusiasm that flag football holds," Logan said. "Over the past years, I've observed the growth of flag football, not just at the high school level but also in youth and globally.
"The interest and participation from players, parents, and fans have been truly inspiring. Being part of this growth has been a rewarding journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the sport."
And what excited her the most is that she sees this as just the beginning for flag football.
"The momentum it has gained in recent years indicates a bright future for the sport, and I am enthusiastic about being part of its continued expansion," Logan said. "As a coach, I am committed to fostering a positive environment for girls in flag football, encouraging their passion for the game, and helping shape the next generation of players.
"I believe that the growth we've witnessed is just a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead for flag football, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success."
Logan got in touch about the IVC head coaching job through Shackleford.
"Our initial conversation occurred during my season at Centennial, where Keith reached out to discuss the potential acceleration of college football opportunities for high school players," Logan said. "Following the season, Keith and I continued this conversation, sharing insights and discussing the promising future of the sport."
She was looking forward to the spring practices and can't wait to actually play some games with the incoming and future Irvine Valley student-athletes.
"Starting the girls flag football program at Irvine Valley College is an exhilarating opportunity to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport," Logan said. "Pioneering the first California college team in women's flag football is a significant milestone, and I'm enthusiastic about creating an environment where female athletes can thrive and excel.
"Breaking down these barriers goes beyond the field, it's about changing stereotypes and inspiring a shift in the sport of football. Being the inaugural team holds pride and responsibility, and I'm committed to serving as a trailblazer for women in sports, showcasing that they can compete and succeed at the collegiate level in football."
Her goal is to foster a positive team culture that empowers female players, instills discipline and inspires the student-athletes to reach their full potential.
"Beyond the games, I aim to shape these players into strong, capable individuals, equipping them with life skills for success after college," Logan said. "Essentially, I'm thrilled about the transformative impact this program can have.
"From breaking barriers, inspiring young women, and contributing to the growth of girls and women's flag football. This journey is not just about building a successful program but also about paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in collegiate sports."
As mentioned, the Irvine Valley women's flag football team started a class to begin training this past spring and will continue to train during the summer into the fall of 2024.
A prospective student-athlete recruting form for the program can be found here
"My primary emphasis is on cultivating a positive and uplifting atmosphere for the players," Logan said. "I'm seeking players who bring a genuine interest and enthusiasm to the program, individuals who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to be part of our growing family and who share a true passion for flag football."
Logan is looking for leadership in potential players both on and off the field.
"I'm looking for individuals who can inspire and uplift their teammates, leading by example and contributing positively to the overall team dynamic," she said. "A willingness to learn, work hard, and continuously improve is key, regardless of previous athletic experience. I believe in the power of dedication and consistency, valuing players who are coachable and committed to their personal and team growth.
"While athletic ability is certainly beneficial, it's not the sole criterion for selection. I am open to players of varying skill levels who bring a positive attitude, resilience, and adaptability to the game. The ability to work collaboratively within a team is crucial, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and cooperation on the field."
Even more about the program, assistant coaches and the fall non traditional schedule will be released later this summer.
