Irvine Valley Dean and Athletic Director Keith Shackleford and first-year IVC head coach Sami Logan and her staff had a vision for women's flag football at the community college level in California and it completely turned out to be true.
There was not only great play on the field, but wonderful sportsmanship, teams supporting each other and lots of competitive games at the end of each contest.
Irvine Valley finished with record of 11-3 in the recent spring season and couldn't coaches and players couldn't have asked for a better experience.
The Lasers showed the way and now, so many more community colleges are scheduled to compete in the spring of 2026 - more than triple of this past season.
Shackleford is hoping that flag football will become an actual state sport by 2027 to 2028.
"A huge thank you to Keith Shackleford for trusting me to build this program, helping navigate scheduling, and really pushing this sport in the right direction," Logan said. "And also, a big thank you to our athletics staff for their support behind the scenes, handling logistics, and helping make this season possible.
"And of course, thank you again to my assistants and players for making this season unforgettable."
Logan couldn't give enough praise to her team for showing up each and every day, heading into film work, being in the weight room, grinding on the pracitce field, and then winning for each of their teammates.
"This season was very special and truly a team I will never forget," said the coach, who defeated IVC's biggest rival, Saddleback, four times on the year. "To build something from the ground up and watch it grow into a real team and family was incredible.
"We started with just two players and an idea of what flag football could look like in California, and that turned into a full season and new teams joining in.
"The players completely bought in, trusted the process, and created a fun, positive culture that's going to last."
Logan added that the chemistry with the program was one of the most enjoyable parts of what took place with the squad all year long.
"These girls showed up for each other, celebrated every win together, and supported each other through the tough moments," she said. "My assistants and players really trusted this program and believed in the vision from the start. They were bought in from day one, and we never looked back.
"I'm beyond thankful for their trust and commitment. It's what made this first season so special."
And Logan said that this year, where the Lasers also toppled several four-year schools, is just the start.
"I can't wait to get back out there with them next year," she said. "With the foundation we've built, I know we're just getting started.
"Women's flag football at the college level is only going to keep growing, and I'm excited to be part of it and help lead the way.
"I think we made a lot of noise this year in the flag football world, and I can't wait to see what's next. The opportunities ahead are huge, and I'm proud we're helping pave the way. It is only going to grow from here."
Irvine Valley players in the inaugural 2025 season
And thank you to @JesusMartinez for being at games to take photos
