College Spotlight: Illinois Wesleyan University with Coach Melissa Valenzuela

The Flag Football Finder College Spotlight Series gives athletes and families a closer look at programs that are shaping the future of collegiate flag football. In each feature, we sit down with coaches who are building something special - programs that value both academics and athletics. This week, we caught up with Coach Melissa Valenzuela, head coach of the new women’s flag football program at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in Bloomington, Illinois.

Building Something Meaningful at IWU

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts school located about two hours south of Chicago, right next to Illinois State University in the Bloomington–Normal area. The Titans will compete at the NCAA Division III level in the CCIW Conference, with their first women’s flag football season kicking off in spring 2026.

While IWU doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, the school is known for its strong academic merit aid, small class sizes, and an impressive 98% job placement rate after graduation - ranking #1 in Illinois and #7 in the nation. Roughly half of all students play varsity sports, giving IWU a big-time athletic energy on a close-knit campus.

The Titans also bring a long tradition of excellence: 9 National Championships, 25 individual National Champions, 252 CCIW Championships, and 576 All-Americans.

“We don’t do offers  -  we do commitments. Get your education first. At some point the game ends; your degree doesn’t.”

Coach Valenzuela’s mission is to build a community-first program rooted in integrity, joy, and stewardship - where athletes grow as students, competitors, and people.

Coach Valenzuela’s Journey

A lifelong flag football player herself, Coach Valenzuela grew up without the chance to play at the high school or college level. That experience fuels her drive to create new opportunities for the next generation.

Before taking on the IWU job, she coached in Portland, Oregon, working across multiple levels of the sport. She moved to Illinois specifically for this role after seeing IWU’s commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

“No one moves from Portland, Oregon to Bloomington, Illinois - except for me. Once I stepped on campus, I knew IWU was serious about building something special.”

Coaching Philosophy: Character First, Competition Always

Coach Valenzuela’s coaching philosophy can be summed up by the message on her whiteboard: “Build a team of good humans.”

Her approach centers on three pillars:

1. Character and Stewardship: She wants athletes who serve others, stay positive, and act as role models. “Being a good human comes before on-field skill.”
   
   
2. Academic Discipline: With IWU’s roughly 40% acceptance rate, academics are non-negotiable. She expects her players to be disciplined students as well as dedicated athletes.
   
   
3. Coachability and Growth: Because high school flag football is still developing, she looks for players who are curious and eager to learn. “I can develop players to where the team and program need them to be,” she said. “I can’t develop someone who already thinks they’ve got it.”
   
   

What She Looks for in Recruits

When evaluating recruits, Coach Valenzuela prioritizes academics, attitude, and athletic versatility. She values high GPAs, emotional control, and the ability to be an encouraging teammate - even in uncomfortable moments. She especially looks for defenders with height and length, particularly at corner and safety.

“There’s no point scoring 31 if we can’t stop 32.”

On offense, IWU’s early recruiting class is already loaded. The Titans have landed Illinois’s No. 2 ranked quarterback and wide receiver (per 2024 MaxPreps stats), along with two season MVPs, a Pro Bowler, and the Chicago Bears Player of the Year award recipient.

“We’re stacked - and I’m building around all of them.”

Academic and Athlete Support

IWU prides itself on helping athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. The university provides access to the Ames Library and Thorpe Learning Center for tutoring, required study-table hours, and multiple counseling and time-management resources. Career preparation begins freshman year, and players have close relationships with faculty and coaches - many of whom also teach.

Athletes never miss class for practice, and exams are even proctored on the road when needed.

“We want them to think not just about the four years here, but the 40 years after.”

Recruiting Approach

Coach Valenzuela takes a hands-on, relationship-first approach to recruiting. She spends hours talking with athletes and their families, learning about their goals and personalities. She travels across Illinois to attend games, flag clinics, and showcases, and works closely with high school coaches to identify strong student-athletes.

Her recruiting toolbox includes Flag Football Finder, Hudl, MaxPreps, Front Rush, and partnerships with Scouting Flag, USA Football, and QB ERA clinics - where she’s already coached at three events.

“I love recruiting because I get to meet so many inspiring young women. Shake a hand, and you know them forever.”

Advice for High School Athletes

For athletes hoping to play college flag football - especially at a selective school like IWU - Coach Valenzuela emphasizes preparation, perspective, and patience.

Lead with your academics; your GPA matters just as much as your highlight reel. Show versatility by including both offensive and defensive clips in your film. Highlight your leadership, community service, and character. Be coachable - attitude and effort outweigh perfection. Visit campuses early, apply early, and remember that recruiting starts years in advance. When reaching out to coaches, be professional, concise, and specific about why you’re interested in their program.

Why This Spotlight Matters

Illinois Wesleyan is proving that excellence in the classroom and on the field can go hand in hand. With elite academics, Division III competition, and a coach building culture from the ground up, IWU offers a powerful opportunity for athletes who want to grow on and off the field.

“You’re not only playing flag football at IWU  -  you’re serving as a role model for young girls and honoring the many women who did not have the same opportunity.”

If you’re ready to take the next step in your flag football recruiting journey, explore college programs like Illinois Wesleyan on Flag Football Finder - the nation’s fastest-growing platform connecting athletes, teams, and college programs in flag football.