HESSTON, Kan. — Hesston College Athletic Director Andrew Sharp announced that Joel Gerber has been hired as the head women's flag football coach for next season. Gerber, a 2000 graduate of Hesston College, returns to his alma mater to take over a flag football team that qualified for the KCAC tournament in their first season as members of the conference.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Joel Gerber '00, a Hesston College graduate with an extensive football and exercise science background, back to campus to serve in this important role," said Sharp. "Joel is committed to serving students and building a winning culture. His experience and resume will be an asset to our department, the Hesston College faculty and staff, and ultimately to our student body."
 
Gerber returns to Hesston after a 16-year football coaching career at Chaparral High School in Anthony, Kan. He served in a variety of roles for the Roadrunners including an eight-year stint as the head coach.
 
"Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and I am excited to be part of its growth at Hesston College," said Gerber. "The opportunity to help build the foundation of a collegiate program and be part of the sport's development at Hesston is incredibly exciting to me."
 
As an alumni, Gerber is familiar with Hesston College's values and he looks forward to helping his athletes grow into the young women God created them to be.
 
"My vision for Hesston College Flag Football is to develop women of exceptional character who will make a positive impact in their communities and inspire others through the way they live, lead, and compete," said Gerber. "After spending most of my career in the public school setting, I am excited to be at Hesston, where I will have more opportunities to openly speak about faith and encourage continual spiritual growth within our program."
 
The Kansas High School Activities Association has announced that girl's flag football has been added as a sanctioned sport for the 2026-27 school year, making Kansas the 18th state to sanction the sport at the high school level. Gerber believes that this has opened a door for many girls who have been looking for an avenue to compete.
 
"With Kansas approving girl's flag football as a KSHSAA-sanctioned sport, the amount of local talent is going to grow tremendously," said Gerber. "Throughout my coaching and teaching career, I've seen many young women who not only have the athleticism and skill set to be outstanding flag football players, but also a real desire to play the game. Now they will finally have the opportunity to compete and develop at a high level, which will continue to strengthen the pool of talent that colleges are recruiting from."
 
Gerber met with the team a few times before the semester concluded and he looks forward to further building those relationships in the fall.
 
"I am most excited to continue learning and building great relationships with the current players," said Gerber. "These returners will be the foundation of the program we all aim to build, and when they graduate, they will be able to stand tall knowing they were part of the climb and that they left it better."
 

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