Frank Jennaco was announced as MU’s flag football coach this past Thursday, Jan. 29. CSIDOLPHINS.COM/ COURTESY
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
Manhattan University (MU) has announced women’s flag football as its eleventh women’s athletic program. Additionally, MU announced Frank Jennaco as the team’s inaugural head coach. The program is set to begin play in the fall of 2026 and plans on recruiting new members until then.
Jennaco, a celebrated figure in the sport known for his exceptional coaching record, spent two seasons at the College of Staten Island, coaching the Dolphins women’s flag football team. He led the team to a 17-3 record over two seasons, including a dominant final season in which the Dolphins went undefeated at 11-0.
Given his success, Jennaco became a prime candidate for the Jaspers’ head coaching position. Jennaco has made it clear he wants nothing but success for the program. He spoke to The Quadrangle, emphasizing that support from MU’s community can turn the team into a dominant force in the Northeast.
“The resources, the vision and the belief they [MU’s community] have shown to our program and in the growth of women’s flag football, we are positioned to build something special,” Jennaco said. “MU is poised to become a leader in Division I flag football across the Northeast, and with the elite athletes we plan to recruit, the potential of this program is limitless.”
Following the inaugural season, the women’s club flag football team has experienced navigating the challenges of being a new program at MU. Lauren Rosenberg, a player on the team, shared her thoughts on how flag football has grown at the University.
“The club program has grown immensely, and I’m thrilled to hear women’s flag football will be expanding to the Division I level,” Rosenberg said. “This is a new opportunity for girls to play flag football at the highest collegiate level, which is awesome. With recruiting and engagement across the country, I think this will increase participation at youth and high school levels, making this a growing sport for girls and young women.”
While Division I teams receive priority access to “field time” at Gaelic Park, the club team initially had concerns about practice availability. Sarah Esposito, another member of the club team, spoke about her excitement for the sport’s growth.
“When I heard a Division I team was coming to MU, I got nervous about what that meant for our club team, wondering if we were getting phased out, losing our field time or facing other scenarios,” Esposito said. “With high hopes that we are still allowed to have a club team here at MU, I feel as though the Division I team and club organization can work together.”
After working through the challenges of an inaugural season, the club team has seen immediate changes within both chemistry and skill. Rosenberg spoke about what she believes are the most important priorities for a team in its first season.
“[While] being a new program, I think it’s important to really focus on team bonding right away,” Rosenberg said. “Chemistry and friendships off the field help contribute to success in games more than people realize. I have no doubt that as the first Division I women’s flag team, the players and coaching staff will leave a legacy for many to follow at MU.”
The future appears bright for the Jaspers women’s flag football program. Jennaco remarked that he is honored to be driving long-term success at MU.
“It is truly an honor to serve as the inaugural head coach of women’s flag football at MU,” Jennaco said. “Competing at the Division I level is a goal I have worked toward throughout my career, and achieving it represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.”