On February 19, USA Football, the organization overseeing the national teams for international flag football competitions, announced that Matt Hernandez, a seasoned coach from Alonso High School, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s Flag Football National Team. Hernandez joins head coach Saaid Mortazavi and assistant coach Mary Kate Bula in this prestigious role. The team has achieved remarkable success under Mortazavi's leadership, securing gold at the 2023 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship. Bula has also played a crucial part in preparing the team for the upcoming 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championship. Hernandez's impressive track record includes leading the 2024 17U U.S. Girls’ Flag National Team to victory at the Junior International Cup and contributing to another gold medal-winning team in 2023 with the 15U U.S. Girls’ Flag National Team. With two decades of coaching experience and multiple accolades, Hernandez is set to bring his expertise to the national stage.

Hernandez's journey in flag football began over 20 years ago, and his dedication has led him to numerous achievements. As an assistant coach for the 2023 15U U.S. Girls’ Flag National Team, he played a pivotal role in their gold medal win. His promotion to head coach of the 2024 17U U.S. Girls’ Flag National Team further solidified his reputation. Under his guidance, the team excelled at the Junior International Cup, clinching the top spot. Hernandez's background extends beyond national competitions; during his 17-year tenure at Alonso High School, he has guided the girls' flag football team to three state championships and numerous district titles. Additionally, he has twice finished as the state runner-up. Hernandez's career record stands at an impressive 219-45, ranking him third among high school coaches nationwide in terms of wins.

Hernandez's contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was honored as the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year in both 2018 and 2023. In 2022, he received the NFL FLAG Coach of the Year award, and in 2023, he was named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Year. These recognitions highlight his exceptional ability to inspire and lead young athletes. Looking ahead, the U.S. Women’s National Team will be holding trials in March at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for the 2025 squad. The team is set to compete in two major events: the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, and the 2025 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship. The U.S. Women’s National Team currently holds the titles of reigning Americas Continental champions and world champions, having won these honors in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

The future of flag football looks promising, especially with its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles in 2028. As the governing body for the sport, USA Football plays a critical role in selecting, training, and leading the U.S. National Teams for all international competitions. With Hernandez's addition to the staff, the U.S. Women’s Flag Football National Team is poised to continue its tradition of excellence on the global stage. Hernandez's extensive experience and proven track record make him an invaluable asset to the team, ensuring that the next generation of flag football players will benefit from his mentorship and guidance.