SURPRISE, Ariz. – OUAZ Athletic Director Kevin Steele is proud to announce the hiring of Marino Lee as the inaugural Head Coach of the university's Women's Flag Football program. This landmark appointment represents a significant milestone in OUAZ's ongoing commitment to expanding its athletic offerings and providing new opportunities for female student-athletes.
Lee is an accomplished coach with extensive experience in flag football, bringing a proven track record of success in developing young talent and building winning programs. As a coach, Lee has led multiple teams to national championships, demonstrating his ability to cultivate elite athletes and foster a culture of teamwork and excellence. In addition, his role as a league commissioner has been instrumental in the growth of youth flag football in the region, further cementing his status as a leader in the sport.
In 2021, he founded the Arizona Youth Football Brigade with 175 kids, and under his leadership, it has grown to over 800 participants, demonstrating his commitment to fostering youth involvement in flag football. The AZFB is a key organization in the state's flag football scene, offering competitive and recreational leagues for players of various skill levels with its partnership with NFL Flag. The league provides structured gameplay, well-organized tournaments, and a community-driven approach that has helped elevate the popularity of flag football across Arizona. It has been a major force in popularizing and professionalizing flag football in the state, making it a well-respected and thriving part of Arizona's sports culture.
"I am excited to welcome Marino Lee as the first-ever head coach of women's flag football at OUAZ," said Steele. "Marino's extensive experience, deep knowledge of the sport, and unwavering passion for mentoring young athletes make him an ideal fit for our athletic program. His leadership and dedication will be invaluable as we launch this historic new program, and I look forward to seeing the growth and success of our women's flag football team under his guidance."
Lee's coaching expertise, leadership abilities, and commitment to creating an inclusive and competitive environment will be key as he builds OUAZ's inaugural women's flag football team. His experience working with both male and female athletes across various age groups has uniquely prepared him to lead this new program to success at the collegiate level.
The Women's Flag Football program at OUAZ will begin recruiting immediately, with plans to compete in the upcoming season. The program is committed to attracting top-tier talent and establishing itself as a formidable presence in collegiate flag football.
