For Immediate Release:
9 June 2026

FRANKLIN, Mass. – Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Geoff Lerner is pleased to announce the hiring of Antonio Young as Dean's first Women's Flag Football Head Coach. In addition, Coach Young will be joining the football staff as the team's Defensive Coordinator.

"Antonio Young is a proven leader whose experience and football knowledge make him an outstanding addition to our department," Lerner expressed. "His ability to serve as both the Head Coach of our new women's flag football program and Defensive Coordinator for football speaks to the versatility and expertise he brings. We are excited about the energy, culture, and competitive excellence he will bring to both programs."

Coach Young brings a wealth of experience to the Bulldogs. Prior to Dean, he served as an Assistant Coach with Amherst College, working with the wide receivers. He also worked with Amherst's defensive backs in the year prior. During his time with the Mammoths, Coach Young's receivers led the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) in total completions (204), combining for over 2,000 yards of total offense.

In addition, the Mammoths ranked among the nation's top 50 at the NCAA Division III level in total completions this season.

Along with Amherst, Young also spent time with Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts as their Defensive Backs Coach. Bison defensive backs accounted for eight of the defense's 10 interceptions in 2025. The defense also ranked second in total interceptions within the Conference of New England (CNE).

Coach Young's career began in 2015 with his alma mater, Becker College. He served as a volunteer with the defense throughout his graduate season. His efforts helped the Hawks finish 7-3 and earn a postseason berth.

"The addition of Coach Young instantly makes this football program a better one," Head Football Coach Luke Bakanowsky said. "I'm extremely confident he will put our defense in a spot to be successful and to win ball games. More importantly, Coach Young is a true family man who will care for our players in such a deep and genuine way. We're lucky to have him and excited to hit the ground running!" 

Prior to coaching, Young played 26 games for Becker. In that span, he recorded 60 defensive tackles and was eventually named a senior captain. He was invited to the Division Three All-American Game in January 2015 and was recognized as a Worcester Gazette All-Area Honorable Newcomer as a freshman in 2011.

Young graduated Becker with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. He earned his master's degree from Fitchburg State University, specializing in human resource management.

Coach Young will lead the Women's Flag Football team into their first season of play in 2027. For recruitment information or to contact Coach Young, please visit the links above.

If you are interested in playing flag football, please fill out the form here.
 
For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu