UW-Oshkosh launches women's flag football team

Despite a 34-0 loss in their inaugural game, the Titans are excited to build their program from the ground up.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has launched a new women's flag football team, which played its first game on Wednesday against Aurora University. Although the Titans lost 34-0, the players and coaches are enthusiastic about establishing a strong program and serving as role models for future generations.

Why it matters

Women's flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and the new UW-Oshkosh team represents an opportunity to provide more athletic opportunities for female students. The program also aims to inspire young girls in the local community to pursue their athletic dreams.

The details

The Titans women's flag football team held their first practice at 6 a.m. each morning, demonstrating the dedication of the players. Head coach Deante Jefferson's primary goal is to build a family-oriented culture within the team, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another through life's challenges.

  • The Titans played their inaugural game on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The team holds early morning practices starting at 6 a.m.

The players

Jamaya Mariner

A freshman on the Titans women's flag football team.

Joely Schelfhout

A freshman on the Titans women's flag football team.

Deante Jefferson

The head coach of the Titans women's flag football team.

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What they’re saying

“To be a part of the first in history is just everything.”

— Jamaya Mariner, Titans freshman (nbc26.com)

“We're pumped. This is just something we're building. We're just going to keep building. We're just going to keep getting better and we're just going to keep improving.”

— Jamaya Mariner, Titans freshman (nbc26.com)

“It feels so cool and it's such an opportunity that this is like my hometown and like so many girls from my school get to sit there and watch me do this and be a part of it. It's so awesome.”

— Joely Schelfhout, Titans freshman (nbc26.com)

“It's not individuals. You have sisters because life's hard, so when you're going through life, you know you have people to lean on, and I think we saw that today with the energy, the positivity that came out that we had.”

— Deante Jefferson, Head coach (nbc26.com)

“We have to set an example for all the years moving forward. Like I've already talked to some recruits and some other girls. Like this is going to be an awesome thing.”

— Joely Schelfhout, Titans freshman (nbc26.com)

What’s next

The Titans will continue to practice and play games as they work to build their program and inspire the next generation of female athletes.

The takeaway

The launch of the UW-Oshkosh women's flag football team represents an exciting opportunity to grow the sport and provide more athletic opportunities for young women. Despite the challenges of starting a new program, the players and coaches are committed to establishing a strong foundation and serving as role models for the local community.