The Spring 2025 season marked a historic milestone for Norco College and for women’s athletics across California community colleges. For the first time, the Norco College Mustangs fielded a women’s flag football team—a pioneering group of student-athletes who blazed a new trail not only for the campus but for future generations of women determined to compete, grow, and lead through sport.
From the very first practice, it was clear that this team wasn’t just about playing a game; it was about building something bigger. The women who joined the team came from diverse backgrounds, many of them stepping onto the field with little to no flag football experience. But what they lacked in experience, they made up for in heart, grit, and an unrelenting desire to grow.
Head Coach Ruben D. Aguilar, assistant professor in the Kinesiology Department, said he watched them transform day by day—developing their skills, embracing the discipline of team play, and forming a bond that carried them through the season's highs and lows.
The team faced similar challenges to every inaugural program. There were moments of frustration, tough losses, and steep learning curves. But those challenges became stepping stones, not roadblocks. The players rose to the occasion, growing stronger both physically and mentally. Their resilience showed in every snap, every route run, every flag pulled, and every time they stepped onto the field.
One of the most memorable moments of the season came on April 11—a one-day, four-game tournament where the Mustangs showcased just how far they had come. Competing at the collegiate level against seasoned programs, the team displayed heart, hustle, and unity that exceeded expectations. It wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about proving they belonged. And they did.
What made this team so special wasn’t just that they were first but how they set the tone for what was to come. They played with passion, represented Norco College with pride, and laid the foundation for a future full of promise. These young women were pioneers. Their courage and commitment opened doors for incoming student-athletes and helped solidify Norco College’s place in the growing landscape of women’s flag football.
As the chapter on the first season closed, excitement was already building for Spring 2026. Offseason training had begun, and returning players were ready to lead while a new wave of athletes prepared to carry the torch. The culture of WIN EVERYTHING, perseverance, and Mustang pride was taking root.
“To our players, thank you,” Aguilar said. “Thank you for believing in the vision, for giving your all, and for leaving everything on the field. Coaching this team has been one of the greatest honors of my career. The legacy you’ve created will be remembered, and the impact you’ve made will ripple through Norco College athletics for years to come. The journey has just begun. Mustang up.”