Chestnut Hill College Director of Athletics and Recreation
Jesse Balcer is proud to introduce
Melissa Brizzell as the college's first Head Women's Flag Football Coach. The college announced the addition of the program to its current roster of 18 sports in December of 2024.
"I am extremely excited to have Melissa Brizzell as our first Flag Football Coach here at Chestnut Hill College," said Balcer. "Flag football is a sport that is growing across the country, and is very popular in this region. Melissa has exactly what I was looking for in a head coach – knowledge of the rules, experience coaching flag, and a personality that will empower these women who will play flag football. Her success at the high school level was impressive, but the words I heard from people who know her, were even more impressive. I look forward to helping Coach Brizzell grow this program for years to come."
Brizzell most recently has served as the Head Coach of Abington High School's Girl's Flag Football program, developing the program from its beginnings and leading the Lady Ghosts to an undefeated season and state championship in their first year of competition.
"Two years ago, I started my journey as a girls flag football coach," said Brizzell. "In that short period of time, I have been blessed to develop a successful program leading to an undefeated season and State Championship. Being an athlete all my life, what is more exciting to me than those wins is being part of the movement in sports to fill the gap between men's and women's sports. I did not have the opportunity to play football when I was growing up, but when I have a football in my hand, it feels right. Watching females of all ages have the opportunity to play football is powerful. As flag football continues to grow, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow as a coach, leading the 1st Girls Flag Football Team at Chestnut Hill College."
Brizzell has also served as an Assistant at youth football clinics sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles and has held several coaching positions at both Abington Junior and Senior High School during the last decade. She has also served as an assistant athletic director for the Abington School district.
Currently Brizzell is a school counselor at Abington Senior High School.
She received her undergraduate degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York and holds Masters degrees from Drexel University and the College of New Jersey.
The Chestnut Hill College Women's Flag football program will begin its first season in the spring of 2026. The team will compete in the Atlantic East Conference along with eight other programs in the eastern Pennsylvania area.
