PNW’s new women’s flag football coach wants to help the university make history.

The team, which begins play next semester, will be the first at a public university in Indiana. 

“Being the first to do something this big is a blessing,” said coach Micah Lowe. “I’m excited to watch our players grow as athletes and as people.”

Lowe had just a few days to pull together a team. Hired in April, he had just two weeks before signing day to recruit 20 athletes. Most were transfers, drawn in by the coach’s energy and vision. 

“He’s young, passionate and really knows what he’s doing,” said junior quarterback Marilyn Myrick, a Kinesiology major who transferred from Benedictine University. “It feels like he’s building something special.”

Micah’s coaching background stretches from high school sidelines to international fields. He founded the Hands Team Academy in Chicago, the first flag football skills development program and has trained athletes in six countries. His philosophy emphasizes innovation and open communication.

Lowe also founded the first elite travel women’s flag football team in Illinois. His team recently finished fifth at the world’s largest flag football tournament in Tampa, Florida.  

In 2022, he was ranked as the 10th best wide receiver trainer in the United States by USA Top 100.

At PNW the new coach has already set a tone for discipline and commitment by calling early morning practices, often at 5 a.m. Players say the intensity is paying off. 

“I already feel like a better athlete, and we haven’t been practicing that long,” said transfer rusher Azari Amor. “As a rusher, I’ve realized how quickly I can change the game in just seconds.”

She acknowledges that players understand the pressure to perform is on them.

“Everybody’s watching us,” Amor said. “At a small school, a new sport gets a lot of attention. We want to make history here.”

Though players have only just started working together, they have bonded quickly.

“It doesn’t even feel brand new,” said quarterback Myrick. “It’s like a family. It felt like we already knew each other.” 

The flag football season begins in March.