VESTAL, N.Y. - Inaugural Binghamton women's flag football coach Jeff Melesky was introduced at a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Events Center. The event attracted colleagues, local fans and media and was broadcast via livestream.

"We have a tradition of incredible excellence in women's sports," University President Anne D'Alleva said in her opening remarks. "Our athletes enrich the campus experience for everyone, inside and outside the classroom. I'm so glad we are opening up this opportunity in women's flag football and I can't wait to see what Jeff and this new group of student-athletes do for us. Thank you so much for joining us ... we are delighted to have you." 

"We conducted a national search and the best person rose up," Director of Athletics Eugene Marshall, Jr. said. "Jeff has done nothing but win. He's had a lot of experience building programs and we look forward to watching him do the same at Binghamton."

Melesky spoke of his passion for college athletics and his intention to vault Binghamton Flag into national title contention.

"I'm ready to go," he said. "I wish we had a game tomorrow. I'm excited about the opportunity to build this program from the ground up. I love watching young people achieve things they didn't think they could do. We are going to have kids with a high caliber mentality ... who achieve on the field and in the classroom."

Melesky was announced as Binghamton's first flag coach on July 29. He brings 10 years of collegiate coaching experience with the last six coming at Webber International University (Fla.), where he built a contending NAIA program from its inception. A native of Virginia, Melesky guided the NAIA and Sun Conference member Warriors. He was selected to lead Webber's flag football entry in 2021 and has averaged more than 10 wins a season for the Central Florida institution. His inaugural squad went 10-4, including a pair of wins in the NAIA Championship. The team was Sun Conference runnerup and Melesky was tabbed as co-Coach of the Year.

Binghamton announced in February that it was adding flag football to its NCAA Division I sports offerings. Under Melesky, the Bearcats will begin intercollegiate competition in spring 2028. The Bearcats will be a member of the ECAC and immediately be eligible for NCAA Championship play.