By John "Woods" Armwood III
Turning an Idea Into a National Contender
When Malls Stewart reflects on Rutgers flag football’s first season, it still feels almost impossible to believe how quickly everything came together. Just months before competing on the national stage, Rutgers didn’t even have official uniforms. Players practiced and competed in pennies while learning the basics of the game at the same time. There was no established culture, no blueprint, and no guarantee the program would succeed.
Yet by the end of the season, Rutgers had become one of the top teams in the country, finishing ranked seventh nationally and advancing to the National College Flag Football semifinals.
For Stewart, the accomplishment represents far more than wins and rankings.
“It’s a blessing,” Stewart said after earning Coach of the Year honors. “This season being Rutgers’ first season and me being grateful enough to win Coach of the Year, it just brings joy honestly.”
The recognition symbolizes the growth of a team that started with uncertainty but developed into a family united by belief and hard work.
Building a Culture From Scratch
Creating a brand-new program came with challenges few people saw behind the scenes. Many players entered the season with little football experience and limited understanding of offensive routes, defensive coverages, or game strategy.
Still, Stewart saw potential from the beginning.
“We had a group of girls that were committed,” he explained. “They didn’t really know what to expect, but they bought in.”
That commitment became the foundation of Rutgers’ success. Practices became classrooms, and every week brought visible improvement. Players who once struggled with fundamentals slowly transformed into confident athletes capable of competing against elite programs.
“The girls didn’t know routes. They didn’t know coverages. They were new to the game,” Stewart said. “Within six or seven months, we were able to put a solid team together and get everyone to understand their role.”
For Stewart, watching that growth became one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Defining Moments That Changed Everything
Several moments throughout the season helped shape Rutgers’ identity. The first major breakthrough came when the team earned its first-ever victory while still wearing pennies. That win gave the players confidence and proved the program could compete.
Another unforgettable moment came during a demanding road trip to Pitt University. Players woke up before sunrise, traveled five hours across Pennsylvania, competed all day, won the tournament championship, and returned home the same night.
“That was honestly the eye-opener for me,” Stewart said. “It showed who was dedicated.”
The experience strengthened the team’s bond and showed everyone involved how serious the program had become.
“Isolate to Elevate” Became the Standard
After Rutgers suffered its first loss of the season, Stewart introduced a phrase that quickly became the team’s mindset: “Isolate to elevate.”
The message emphasized sacrifice, accountability, and extra work outside of scheduled practices.
“Sometimes we have to stay after. Sometimes we have to hit the field earlier or watch film in small groups,” Stewart explained.
The philosophy pushed players to improve individually while strengthening the team collectively. It also helped establish a culture centered around discipline and growth.
The Beginning of Something Bigger
Despite the historic season, Stewart believes Rutgers flag football is only beginning to reach its potential.
“We’re still barely scratching the surface,” he said.
Now, the focus shifts toward building on the foundation established during year one. Stewart wants the program to continue growing while welcoming the next generation of players into the culture Rutgers created together.
“We’re looking forward to raising the bar,” Stewart said. “Getting back to work, sticking together, and embracing the incoming freshmen.”
For Stewart, this season was about more than football. It was about creating something meaningful that could last for years to come.