SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Quincy Cooper, previously the assistant coach for St. Francis Catholic High School's flag football, has been elevated to head coach of that program, director of athletics Ryan Chisolm announced Monday. Cooper's appointment begins immediately, with his first event in his new role being the Troubadours' new flag football camp from June 17-21.

"I'm juiced. I was surprised that I had the opportunity so fast to do it," said Cooper. "This is a dream come true, being able to coach high school varsity football and especially flag football. [Last year] was my first year being a part of this great school and this great community, helping to lead St. Francis to the very first D-II playoffs. It was a tremendous honor and I loved every single second of being part of the team, the coaching staff, and figuring out ways to make sure our girls improve every single week."

Cooper served as an assistant coach in SF's inaugural season last fall. The Troubies went 7-11 overall, finished fourth in the tough Sierra Foothill League, and earned a berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship tournament. Although all coaches worked with all aspects of the program, Cooper particularly focused on defense. Three players on that side of the ball – Elizabeth Barger, Sophia Fahey and Reese Lieuwen – earned All-SFL distinction. Barger also garnered Sacramento Bee All-Metro honors, thanks to a team-high 17 interceptions.

While flag football is relatively new for the SJS and St. Francis, Cooper's experience with the sport dates back more than a decade. The Monterey Trail High School alumnus coached the Southgate Steelers youth flag football team to a division championships from 2011 to 2013, while he also coached and officiated the sport during his five-year stay with the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center. Additionally, Cooper coached basketball, both at the Center and for the California Montessori Project in Elk Grove.

Furthermore, Cooper is no stranger to flag football as a player. He started playing flag football as a sophomore at Monterey Trail, then earned an opportunity to play at the then-Oakland Raiders training facility for a regional tournament. More recently, Cooper played for the Sacramento Refugees men's and coed teams, leading his squad in sacks in 2019.

The 2024 St. Francis flag football season will begin with a home doubleheader against Ponderosa on Monday, August 26, although varsity will scrimmage Rio Linda one week earlier. The first day of practice/tryouts will take place on August 5.