College Spotlight: Mars Hill University Flag Football with Coach Max Switzer

The Flag Football Finder College Spotlight series is here to give athletes and families a closer look at programs across the country that are building the future of collegiate flag football. In each feature, we sit down with coaches to talk about their program, their philosophy, and what they’re looking for in recruits. This week, we spoke with Coach Max Switzer, head coach of the brand-new Mars Hill University flag football program in Mars Hill, North Carolina.

Building Something New at Mars Hill

Mars Hill University is officially launching its first-ever women’s flag football team in the spring of 2026. Competing at the NCAA Division II level, the Lions will be part of Conference Carolinas, which will also debut flag football that same season. For athletes, that means an opportunity to make history: this isn’t just a team, it’s a chance to help build the foundation of a program from day one. And yes—Mars Hill offers athletic scholarships, with the opportunity to stack those alongside academic aid.

Coach Switzer’s Background

Coach Switzer’s path to Mars Hill is rooted in a mix of playing and coaching experiences: he is a former collegiate tackle football player, has coached both men’s and women’s programs across multiple sports, started a women’s tackle program in Wichita, Kansas, and built and coached a flag football program at Hesston College in Kansas. Now, he’s focused on recruiting and leading Mars Hill’s inaugural squad. For players who want to be part of something new, Coach Switzer understands what it takes to build a program from scratch.

Coaching Philosophy: Leading by Example

Switzer’s philosophy is simple but powerful: he won’t ask players to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.

“If I expect you to cover someone in your zone, I expect that I could do it too. If I expect you to go to class and get good grades, I hold myself to the same standard. I want to lead by example so others want to follow.”
That mindset sets the tone for the type of culture he’s building—one where accountability and leadership start at the top.

What He Looks For in Recruits

When asked what stands out in athletes, Coach Switzer summed it up with three key traits: 

1. Attitude – the drive to show up and work every day, on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, and even in social settings. 

2. Commitment – the difference between being stuck in a routine and actually improving 1% every day. 

3. Effort – knowing when to push at full speed and when to slow down to study and think the game. He’s clear that talent matters, but it’s the intangibles—how players carry themselves and approach the game—that really separate recruits.

Position Needs: Centers & Rushers

For the 2026 recruiting class, Coach Switzer is open to athletes at all positions but emphasized two areas of need: 

Centers: “Being able to snap the ball 10 yards back accurately is a real skill, and great centers are hard to find.” 

Rushers: High motor is important, but so is technique—breaking down, taking the right angles, and making smart decisions under pressure. For athletes who play those positions, Mars Hill could be a great fit.

Recruiting Approach

While film is helpful, Coach Switzer prefers seeing athletes live—at tournaments, showcases, and camps. He regularly attends Flag Football Life and USA Football tournaments, west coast events like those in Las Vegas, and local camps where he can evaluate players in different settings. Why live evaluation? It’s about character.

“I want to see how you interact with your coaches and teammates—and even with opponents. You can cut all that out of a highlight reel, but I want to see the real you.”

Academics at Mars Hill

Athletes interested in Mars Hill should know the university is especially known for its nursing program. The nursing building is equipped to convert into a small hospital in emergencies, giving students real-world, hands-on experience. The school also recently launched a wildlife program. Strong academics paired with athletic opportunity means athletes have multiple pathways to succeed.

How to Get Noticed

So how can an athlete get on Coach Switzer’s radar? His advice is direct: 

Be proactive: Reach out to coaches yourself. 

Show initiative: Communication tells him you care about your future. 

Keep your grades up: A 3.5 GPA or higher can unlock academic aid. 

Use multiple channels: Email is best, but Instagram DMs and text also work. In short, don’t wait to be discovered—make the first move.

Why This Spotlight Matters

Mars Hill is part of the wave of new programs giving women’s flag football a home at the collegiate level. For athletes looking to compete beyond high school, this is a unique chance to be part of something new, under a coach who values character, work ethic, and initiative just as much as raw ability. As Coach Switzer put it:

“Reach out. Take initiative. Show me you’re serious about your future.”
For athletes ready to take that step, Mars Hill University could be the right place to start.

Interested in Mars Hill University Flag Football? Check out their program on Flag Football Finder and start connecting today.