PITTSBURGH – Point Park University Vice President of Athletics Scott Swain has announced the hiring of Sharon Vasquez as the school's first head coach for women's flag football. PPU announced the addition of women's flag football as the school's 20^th sport on Sept. 9.
 
A trailblazer in the sport of women's football, both on and off the field, Vasquez was featured on ESPNW and has earned recognition as a world class athlete and accomplished coach dedicated to growing the game.
 
"To have someone like Sharon with her connections locally and nationally in flag football is a huge win for Pioneer Athletics and Point Park University," said Swain. "Her coaching and playing success are both outstanding. Sharon also has roots in Western PA and has worked with the Steelers along with the NFL Flag Football program.
 
"All of these factors will serve her very well as she builds our Women's Flag Football program," Swain continued.  
 
Since transitioning into coaching, Vasquez has served as head coach of the women's flag football team at nearby Woodland Hills High School. Her coaching success includes a record of 35-5 while leading Woodland Hills to back-to-back sectional championships and the 2024 NFL Regional Championship in the sport.
 
Additionally, Vasquez serves as the CEO of the HER Elite Flag program, one of the fastest growing flag football programs in Pennsylvania. While working for the HER Elite program, she is dedicated to developing the next generation of athletes and expanding opportunities for girls in the sport.
 
"I am beyond excited to get started as the head coach of Point Park University's inaugural women's flag football program," said Vasquez. "To bring flag football to a university so rich in culture and tradition is an incredible honor. I look forward to building on that legacy as we begin a new era of flag football here at Point Park.
 
"This is an exciting opportunity not just for the University, but for the sport itself, and I am committed to creating a program that will make our community proud."
 
Vasquez has also worked alongside the NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers to mentor youth in the NFL Play 60 programs, including the NFL Experience at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. The goal of NFL Play 60 is to inspire the next generation to stay active and chase their dreams.
 
As a player, Vasquez's career was decorated with national and international success. She was a national champion in tackle football with the Pittsburgh Passion in both 2007 and 2014-15. She earned multiple first team all-star selections during her career spanning from 2009 to 2016.
 
Representing Team USA, she was a two-time gold medalist in tackle football in both 2010 and 2013. She also helped lead Team USA's national flag team to silver medals in 2011 and 2012.
 
Her on-field performance garnered Defensive MVP of the World honors in 2010, while also earning first team All-World selections in 2010 and 2013.
 
Deeply rooted in family and community, Sharon and her husband Freddie reside in Churchill with their four children.