Melissa Brizzell was named the college's first Head Women's Flag Football Coach in March of 2025. The college announced the addition of the program to its current roster of 18 sports in December of 2024.
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.
