BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck State College (BSC) Director of Athletics Jason Harris has announced Jordan Melendo as the first head coach of Mystics women's flag football, tabbing a member of the football staff to lead the new program and form its foundation.

Melendo, who has served as offensive line coach and run game coordinator for BSC football since January, will continue in that role while launching women's flag football. He will lead the spring 2027 intramural season, which will introduce the sport on campus and build student interest ahead of varsity competition in the 2027–28 academic year.

"Jordan has already made an impact on our football staff, and we're excited to see him bring that same energy to flag football," said Harris. "He understands what it takes to build a program the right way, and he's the right person to lead the Mystics into this new chapter."

A native of San Diego, Calif., Melendo is a graduate of Mayville State University, where he played offensive line from 2012 to 2016 and earned a degree in university studies. He began his coaching career at the high school level in Arizona, serving at Sierra Linda High School and Desert Vista High School from 2020 to 2023, before spending three seasons at Rocky Mountain College as offensive line coach and run game coordinator. He was the position coach for six all-conference players.

BSC is one of four North Dakota institutions developing women's flag football together. Mayville State will begin varsity competition in 2026–27, while BSC, Dickinson State University and Valley City State University will start with intramural play in spring 2027. Beginning in 2027–28, the four schools plan to compete against one another and against programs in neighboring states. The NAIA has approved women's flag football as its 30th championship sport, with the inaugural national championship set for spring 2027.

"I'm grateful to Jason Harris and the entire BSC Athletics staff for this opportunity," said Melendo. "Women's flag football is growing fast, and I can't wait to introduce the sport to young women on our campus and help build something special in Bismarck-Mandan."

Melendo has begun his duties. Additional information on intramurals, recruiting and scheduling will be announced as plans are finalized.

For all things BSC Flag Football, visit BSCMystics.com/Flag.

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The Bismarck State College Mystics are current full members of the Frontier Conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Bismarck State is proud to be the home of 22 athletic and club teams, more than 100 career pathways and $1.8 million in student scholarships annually. BSC is North Dakota's Polytechnic Institution, providing tailored, hands-on learning to equip students with the skills to thrive in high-demand industries. Visit bismarckstate.edu to learn more about the college, and visit bscmystics.com for everything Mystics Athletics. 

 

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