JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former Jean Ribault Senior High School player is the first woman athlete from her school to receive a sports scholarship for women’s flag football.
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Eriana “Mookie” Coleman graduated in 2021, where she played basketball and flag football. This fueled her competitive spirit.
Coleman said in a statement, “Basketball was my first love. I didn’t know much about flag football but because I love competition my P.E. teacher, Coach Rene Livingston, encouraged and inspired me to try flag football.”
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Coleman has been playing flag football with YESS of Northeast Florida, Inc. Team Nitro before the scholarship was offered.
Her Coach, Rodney “J” Johnson of Team Nitro, received a call from Ricky Hufty, head coach of the women’s flag football program at Florida Gateway College in Lake City.
Coach Hufty stated that he had a scholarship slot and wanted to know if there was a player Coach J could recommend from YESS.
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Coach J immediately responded with a “YESS” and recommended Mookie because she possesses the three D’s; Desire, Determination, and Dedication.
Coach Hufty drove to Jacksonville to work Mookie out for an evaluation. Without hesitation, he offered her the scholarship on the spot.
Mookie will begin playing this spring 2023 at Florida Gateway College. The staff at YESS of Northeast Florida, along with her parents are extremely proud of this accomplishment.
“I did not receive any scholarship offers while I was in high school, however I continued to play flag football with YESS of Northeast Florida. Inc. (Team Nitro),” said Coleman. I begin to learn more and more while bring trained by Coach J and Coach Charlie from Team Nitro.”
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YESS of Northeast Florida is a non-for-profit community organization established in Jacksonville, Florida. It provides healthy lifestyle choices for families.