Eureka College Adds Women’s Flag Football, Names Cedric Minniefield as Inaugural Head Coach

EUREKA, Ill. – Eureka College Athletic Director Sara Shaw has announced the addition of women's flag football as the department's newest intercollegiate sport and named Cedric Minniefield as the program's first-ever head coach. Minniefield will also serve as the co-offensive coordinator for the Red Devils football team.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Minniefield to our team and to officially announce the addition of Women's Flag Football to our athletics offerings," Shaw said. "Women's Flag Football is one of the fastest-growing sports across the country and we are looking forward to seeing where Coach Minniefield will take our program. We are committed to diversifying our offerings and experiences for our students; It's an exciting time at EC. Coach Minniefield's vision for the program along with his commitment to student-athletes' growth and development is a great fit for us and where our department is heading."

Minniefield joins the Red Devils with a unique blend of coaching, scouting, and service experience. Most recently, he spent two years in security forces. Before that, he served as the wide receivers coach at Cisco College, beginning his tenure in July 2023. During his time at Cisco, he led a standout receiving corps that produced four Southwest Junior College All-Conference selections in a single season. His experience with flag football dates back to high school, where he coached games between underclassmen and upperclassmen. He also continued coaching flag football during his time in the U.S. Air Force, leading intramural teams, both coed and women's, across various bases around the world.

Prior to his time at Cisco, Minniefield dedicated 16 years to serving his country, working for both the U.S. Department of Defense and the State Department. His military background includes six years of active duty service in the United States Air Force, where he developed the leadership, discipline, and strategic mindset he brings to the field.

In addition to his coaching and military background, Minniefield gained valuable experience during a scouting internship with the San Francisco 49ers. His work contributed to roster development in compliance with the NFL salary cap, evaluation of draft prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, and creation of stacking charts for position groups.

Minniefield holds a bachelor's degree in Sport and Recreation Management from the University of Arizona Global Campus.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Athletic Director Sara Shaw and the Eureka College administration for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach of the Women's Flag Football Team & Offensive Coordinator for the tackle program," Minniefield said. "Coaching the game I love at a place that values growth and excellence is truly an honor."

"I'm excited to help grow the women's game, something I've been passionate about since coaching women's flag football at the high school level and on Air Force bases around the world," Minniefield added. "I'll bring the same dedication, attention to detail, and competitive spirit to both programs, and I'm looking forward to building something special here at Eureka."

That dedication to the growth of women's flag football was on full display earlier this summer, when members of the Eureka football staff participated in the Chicago Bears' Monsters Flag Football Clinic on June 25 at Peoria Stadium. The event, focused on introducing young women to the sport, reflects Eureka's commitment to growing the game at all levels.

"We are happy to have Coach Minniefield join our tackle program staff and equally excited to see EC start the Women's Flag Football program," Eureka football head coach Randy Starks said. "We are looking forward to a positive partnership and camaraderie that will be built between the two programs. We all love the game of football, and we are excited for the beginning of the flag program here on campus. The growth of our athletics offerings signals the understanding institutionally of the importance co-curricular activities play in the holistic development of our student-athletes as well as the overall campus experience. We are all eager for the school year to start, and the addition of this program along with the hiring of Coach Minniefield is a great kick-off to the new academic year"

The introduction of women's flag football marks a significant step forward for Eureka College athletics, aligning with the sport's growing popularity nationwide. The Red Devils are slated to begin official competition in the 2026-27 academic year, with plans to schedule several exhibition games during 2025-26.