Kansas Wesleyan's Aliyah Wood led four Coyotes named to the Inaugural NAIA Flag Football All-America Team. This marked the first selection of an All-America team as flag football transitioned to Invitational status for the 2026 season. Wood earned First Team honors after ranking fourth in the NAIA with 144 receptions and 1390 receiving yards, and she recorded 23 touchdown receptions. Teammates Chihiro Iwata and Jazmine Whitfield received Second Team honors, showcasing their significant contributions to the team's success.

By the Numbers
  • Aliyah Wood recorded 144 receptions, ranking fourth in the NAIA.
  • Chihiro Iwata passed for 5,194 yards, third best in the country, and had 72 touchdown passes, ranking fifth in the NAIA.
  • Jazmine Whitfield achieved 93 receptions, ranking No. 20 in the NAIA, with 972 receiving yards, placing No. 22 in the NAIA.
  • The Coyotes finished with a 14-5 record, and placed third in the NAIA Flag Football Invitational.
State of Play
  • The inaugural NAIA flag football season saw significant competition and recognition for standout players.
  • The All-America Teams featured 35 players from 14 institutions, demonstrating the growth of the sport.
  • Warner (Fla.) led with seven selections, showcasing its dominance in women's flag football.
What's Next

The Coyotes aim to build on their success in future seasons, enhancing their recruiting efforts to attract top talent. The popularity and competitive nature of women's flag football are expected to increase as more institutions participate. The team's performance in the Invitational sets a strong precedent for upcoming tournaments.

Bottom Line

Kansas Wesleyan's recognition exemplifies the rapid growth of women's flag football at the collegiate level. With standout talents like Wood, Iwata, and Whitfield leading the charge, the program is well-positioned for future success in this emerging sport.