College Spotlight: Eastern University with Coach Amanda Ruller

The Flag Football Finder College Spotlight Series gives athletes and families a closer look at programs helping shape the next era of collegiate women’s flag football. Each feature highlights coaches building something meaningful on their campuses - programs that value development, academics, and opportunity. This week, we spoke with Head Coach Amanda Ruller of Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania.

A Program on the Rise at Eastern University

Eastern University is a faith-based private institution just outside Philadelphia, known for its strong academics, supportive campus community, and growing athletics department. The women’s flag football program competes as part of the NCAA emerging sport model, giving athletes the chance to face some of the top collegiate flag teams in the country.

While Eastern does not offer athletic scholarships at this time, the university provides competitive academic aid and financial support. For Coach Ruller, that balance - rigorous academics and high-level competition - is core to what makes Eastern a unique place to play and grow.

Building Momentum on the East Coast

Eastern launched its women’s flag football program to expand opportunities for female student-athletes, and the program has taken off quickly. Since its founding, the team has added dedicated facilities, year-round training, and a rapidly growing roster that reflects the nationwide boom in women’s flag football. 

Most recently, Eastern joined the ECAC as part of the New York Jets–led collegiate flag football league, further expanding their competitive pathway and visibility on the East Coast.

The early results speak for themselves: Eastern finished last season 14 - 4, placed second in their conference, and earned Coaching Staff of the Year honors. For a young program, that kind of progress signals a clear ambition - becoming one of the premier flag football destinations on the East Coast.

Coach Ruller’s Philosophy: Develop the Whole Athlete

Coach Ruller brings a holistic approach to building her team. She wants her players to be fast, competitive, and disciplined, but also resilient leaders who carry themselves well in the classroom and in their communities.

“We focus on fast, exciting football and constant improvement,” she shared. “But we also build a culture that feels like family.”

Beyond her philosophy, Coach Ruller brings elite experience and a proven track record to Eastern. She has:

• Played for Team Canada Football
• Served as Head Coach of Women’s Flag Football at Eastern University
• Coached on the Eastern University men’s football staff as the Tight Ends and Fullbacks coach
• Completed three NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Internships with the Seahawks, Bengals, and Vikings
• Coached running backs at Central Washington University
• Coached running backs and flag football at McMaster University in Canada

These experiences shape her leadership style and give her athletes a mentor who has coached - and played - at every level of the game.

From strength and conditioning to film study to academic accountability, her staff develops athletes in every phase of their college journey.

What Eastern Looks for in Recruits

 When evaluating prospective athletes, Coach Ruller prioritizes:

• Competitiveness
• Coachability
• Passion for the game
• Strong attitude and work ethic

Speed, agility, and football IQ matter - but character is always the foundation.

Eastern is currently recruiting across all positions, with increased emphasis on quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs. The staff is actively recruiting the 2026 and 2027 classes, and they welcome multi-sport athletes - especially from track, basketball, and soccer - who want to transition their athleticism into flag football.

Academic and Athletic Balance at Eastern

 One of Eastern’s strengths is its supportive academic environment. With small classes and accessible faculty, players are set up to succeed. Coach Ruller structures practices and travel around academic responsibilities, ensuring athletes can maintain full course loads throughout the year.

Tutoring, academic advisors, and engagement from professors help create a balance that allows athletes to compete at a high level without compromising their education.

Inside the Yearly Schedule

 Eastern’s schedule provides structure and development throughout the calendar year:

• Fall: Training, conditioning, 7-on-7 sessions
• Winter: Strength work, team development, leadership training
• Spring: Main competitive season with tournaments, regional matchups, and opportunities for national competition
• Off-Season: Film study, position development, and skill refinement

The program is designed for athletes who want to grow steadily - not just during the season but year-round.

How Eastern Recruits Athletes

 Coach Ruller and her staff cast a wide net, recruiting through:

• High school flag and tackle programs
• Club flag teams
• National showcases and combines
• Multi-sport pipelines
• Film evaluations and online submissions

Athletes with strong work ethic, versatility, and potential stand out quickly.

Coach Ruller’s Advice for High School Athletes

 For players hoping to compete at the college level, Coach Ruller encourages:

• Playing multiple sports
• Improving speed and agility
• Building football IQ
• Creating highlight film and sharing it early
• Attending showcases and camps to gain visibility
• Leading on and off the field

“Coaches value athletes who compete, learn, and lead,” she shared. “Those qualities translate no matter where you play.”

How to Get in Touch

 Athletes interested in Eastern University can connect with the coaching staff by:

• Filling out the recruiting questionnaire on the Eastern Athletics website
• Emailing film, academic information, and a brief introduction (amanda.ruller@eastern.edu)
• Visiting campus or reaching out through social media
• Completing your Flag Football Finder athlete profile

Coach Ruller encourages families to reach out early, ask questions, and get a feel for the program’s culture and expectations.

Why This Spotlight Matters

Eastern University is proving that you don’t need a decades-old program to compete at a high level. With strong academics, a development-focused coaching staff, and early success on the field, Eastern is becoming a meaningful landing spot for athletes who want to grow - on the field, in the classroom, and as people.

If you’re exploring your college flag football options, browse more programs like Eastern University on Flag Football Finder - the nation’s fastest-growing platform connecting athletes, coaches, and college programs in women’s flag football..