FGC Timberwolves Win Back-to-Back NJCAA Flag Football Championships
ATLANTA, Ga. – For the second time in as many years, the Florida Gateway College Women's Flag Football Team are NJCAA National Champions.
The championship tournament played out in Atlanta in a best-of-three series against last year's runners-up, Hesston College, hailing from Kansas. The Timberwolves defeated Hesston 26-13 in Game 1 on Wednesday, May 8, setting the stage for an 8:30 a.m. rematch on Thursday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons.
Thursday morning, the Timberwolves dominated the field, defeating Hesston 45-6 and claiming the championship trophy in two games.
"It's wonderful to be here and to see these incredible student-athletes become back-to-back champions," said FGC President Dr. Lawrence Barrett after the deciding game. "These young women have had incredible success on the field and in the classroom, and they make everyone at FGC proud. Many of them may not have attended college at all if not for this program, and now three of them have already signed to play at universities next year. That's why we do what we do."
Five FGC players were named to the All-Tournament Team:
Alexandra Harris #8 Defensive Back
Makenzie Phillian #11 Safety
Chinera Shaheed #6 Rusher
Tremesha Harris #5 Wide Receiver and MVP
Ashley Smith #1 Quarterback
Ashley Smith was awarded Most Valuable Player of the NJCAA Tournament, and Head Coach Ricky Hufty was named NJCAA Flag Football Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
The National Title caps off a stellar second season for the Wolves with a regular season record of 13-1 and an overall record of 15-1. The victory follows up the Timberwolves' win in the first-ever NJCAA Flag Football Championship in 2023, making FGC the only team to ever hold the title.
