The following story was published by NPR Illinois on Feb. 4, 2026.

UIS Athletics has announced the hiring of Colin Wood as the first head coach of its new women's flag football program. Wood will begin his role in early February, leading the Prairie Stars as they build their inaugural roster and lay the foundation for a spring 2027 season of competition.

"I'm so excited to welcome Colin Wood as UIS's inaugural women's flag football head coach," said Director of Athletics Mike Hermann. "I'm confident that Colin and his wife, Sarah, will become outstanding Prairie Stars, and I welcome them to our community.

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