MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive has hired Derrick Lucas as its new Head Women's Flag Football Coach. Lucas brings more than a decade of coaching experience and a strong record of building competitive programs.

"I truly cannot put into words how excited and grateful I am to officially join the University of Mount Olive family as the Head Women's Flag Football Coach," Lucas said. "This opportunity means so much to me. From the first moment I connected with UMO, I felt welcomed, supported, and believed in. It immediately felt like a place where I could grow, lead, and help build something meaningful. I'm incredibly thankful for the chance to work with these young women and help shape a program that reflects who we are — tough, disciplined, confident, and united."

Lucas comes to Mount Olive from Andrew College, where he led the Women's Flag Football program and built a culture focused on accountability and excellence. He oversaw recruiting, operations, practice planning, and community engagement while helping grow the program's visibility.

"We are thrilled to welcome Derrick Lucas as the Head Coach of Flag Football at the University of Mount Olive," said UMO Athletic Director Joey Higginbotham. "He brings an unmatched passion for the game, a commitment to developing student-athletes, and a clear vision for recruiting and building a championship-caliber program. As we enter our inaugural season this February, there is no one better suited to lead us onto the field and establish a strong foundation for the future of Trojan Flag Football."

He also served as Associate Head Coach, Director of Football Operations, Recruiting Coordinator, and Special Teams Coordinator for Andrew College's JUCO football program. In its inaugural season, he helped guide the team to a 5–2 record, placed three players in Division I programs, and earned 10 additional Division I offers.

Before Andrew College, Lucas coached at East Hall High School (2023–24) and Riverside Military Academy (2021–23). He previously spent seven years at the University of Pikeville, contributing to the 2016 Mid-South Conference East Championship and coaching multiple All-Conference and All-American players, including one who set the NAIA national rushing record.

"My goal is to build a culture where our players feel valued, pushed, supported, and empowered to succeed on and off the field," Lucas said. "UMO already feels like home, and I can't wait to get started with this team, this campus, and this community. This is a new chapter, and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Lucas holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Faulkner University.