“Almost made it to the championship” is a familiar phrase echoed by many Eastern athletic teams after strong seasons. For the Eastern University Women’s Flag Football team, that phrase carried deeper meaning. In their inaugural season as a first-year program, the team exceeded expectations, turning uncertainty into momentum and laying the groundwork for a competitive future.
As a newly formed program, the team entered the season facing significant challenges. New faces, developing chemistry and the pressure of competing without an established history could have slowed progress. Instead, the women embraced the challenge. Through discipline, determination and consistency, the team proved it could compete at a high level, ultimately reaching the championship game in its first year of existence. Although they fell short of capturing a title, the season set a high standard that the program now aims to surpass.
Head coach Amanda Ruller brings a wealth of experience to the program, including a stay on the Canadian national team for bobsled and skeleton, and an extensive coaching background. Following a successful first season, Ruller emphasized the importance of continuing to build the team’s identity.
“After such an exciting inaugural season, what I’m most excited about is continuing to build the foundation of our program,” Ruller said. “Last year was about setting a standard and establishing who we are. This season, I’m excited to see our players take ownership of that identity and continue to grow both on and off the field.”
While enthusiasm surrounds the upcoming season, Ruller remains focused on long-term success and player well-being. Maintaining health and consistency is central to the team’s preparation.
“Keeping our players healthy and strong is a major priority for our team,” Ruller said. “I emphasize proper recovery and am intentional with practice planning to manage workloads. Education around nutrition, hydration, and rest is also a big part of keeping our athletes in the best shape possible throughout the season.”
That commitment to growth and accountability is echoed throughout the roster. Senior Dominique Geiger, a dual-sport athlete who plays left corner, reflected positively on the team’s first season. “It was great and really exciting,” Geiger said. “Making it to the championship game as a first-year program was a big accomplishment for the team.”
Looking ahead, Geiger believes the team is positioned for an even stronger run. “I’m excited,” she said. “With the help of new transfers, I feel like we could win the championship.”
Although basketball remains her primary sport, flag football holds special significance. “I prefer basketball, but now I’m living out my dream playing flag football since it wasn’t a thing for girls when I was younger,” Geiger said.
That sense of unfinished business is shared by senior Jeriyah Johnson, who plays a combo role at corner and wide receiver. Johnson described the inaugural season as both challenging and rewarding. “It was really fun and great,” Johnson said. “There was a lot of trial and error figuring out the dynamics. Our coach was great, and overall we had a fun season.”
For Johnson, the team’s championship appearance served as proof of its potential. “Making it to the championship and realizing we can go far was definitely a highlight,” she said.
Beyond wins and losses, the women’s flag football team has made a meaningful impact on Eastern’s athletic landscape. As one of the university’s newest programs, its immediate success has drawn attention from students, athletes, and the broader campus community. The program has helped expand athletic opportunities while strengthening school pride and engagement.
This season, the team enters with a different mindset. What was once unfamiliar territory is now a foundation of experience and confidence. Expectations are clear, preparation is sharper, and the standard has already been established. The learning curve of year one has turned into focused execution.
This time, “almost” is no longer enough. With experienced leadership, returning talent, and renewed determination, the Eastern University Women’s Flag Football team is not just aiming for another strong season—they are pursuing a championship.
Fans can follow the team’s progress, including statistics, schedules, and home games, by visiting goeasterneagles.com and navigating to “Women’s Flag Football” under the women’s teams section.
