FIDAF Press Office – ufficiostampa@fidaf.org - 0331 770343
 
PRESS RELEASE
December 15, 2023
 
Following Omar Passera's resignation as Head Coach of the women's national team, FIDAF scored a sensational victory by appointing Katie Sowers, a former coach in the NFL and the first woman to coach in the Super Bowl (Super Bowl LIV with the San Francisco 49ers). 
 
We knew that the Olympic dream was already taking shape at the FIDAF as soon as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced flag football was being added to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program. But the sensational news officially announced today during the press conference presenting the senior tackle season in Rome will make headlines well beyond Italy's borders. 
 
The national women's senior flag football team will be coached for the next four years by Katie Sowers, a former pro player in the Women's Football Alliance, and more importantly coach with several NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and in particular the San Francisco 49ers, with whom she got to Super Bowl LIV. Over the past two years, Katie Sowers moved to Ottawa University, in Kansas, where she was appointed as the Director of Athletic Strategic Initiatives and also coached the university's women's flag football team. 
 
"Nausicaa Dell'Orto, a distinguished athlete of the National team and a pivotal member of both the Athletes Committee of FIDAF and IFAF, reached out to Katie to inquire about her interest in coaching at the international level. With the backing of Valeria Guglielmino, the esteemed Defensive Coordinator of the Women's National Team, and the unwavering support of the Federation's President, they extended Katie the opportunity and offered her the prestigious coaching position.
 
The influential women on the board of the Italian Federation of American Football have significantly impacted the course of history by decisively appointing a highly experienced woman to spearhead the Italian National team as its Head Coach. Their forward-thinking decision not only breaks barriers but also marks a pivotal moment in sports leadership, showcasing a commitment to meritocracy and paving the way for inclusivity and excellence within the realm of American Football.
 
Katie has an impressive résumé, which is just what the national team with big ambitions needs. Particularly now as the team is competing in the World Championships next year and aims to qualify for the World Games in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 
 
FIDAF Press Office – ufficiostampa@fidaf.org - 0331 770343
 
PRESS RELEASE
"It is a great pleasure to accept the position of Head Coach and I feel honored to have been offered this opportunity. I am completely confident that I have the knowledge and passion needed to lead the team in the international games that await us and to ensure that Italy becomes one of the main contenders in flag football worldwide in the near future," said Katie Sowers. "I can't wait to get to work. Let's go get that gold medal!" 
 
Katie Sowers takes over from Omar Passera, who resigned his post a few weeks ago as he would like to return to playing again. This is a huge step in the right direction for the FIDAF and the entire women's movement, enabling them to build on the signs of rapidly accelerating growth shown over the past few years. 
 
Barbara Allaria
Press & Communication Officer 0331-770343 / 338-6541305 press@fidaf.org 
FIDAF - Italian Federation of American Football
 
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