BROWNWOOD, Texas — Howard Payne University Athletics has announced the hiring of Samuel Singleton Jr. as the inaugural head coach of the new women's flag football program, signaling an exciting new chapter for Yellow Jacket Athletics.
Singleton becomes the first head coach in program history and will lead the development of the program from the ground up as flag football continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Singleton to Howard Payne University," said Adam Bright. "Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and we are excited to bring that momentum to our campus. Just as important, we are proud to have a West Texas native leading the charge in building this program and connecting it to our region."
Singleton brings a well-rounded background of playing and coaching experience at multiple levels, including professional, collegiate, and high school athletics. Most recently, he has served as a secondary coach at Permian High School, working with both freshman and varsity defensive backs.
Prior to that role, Singleton gained head coaching experience at Texas Leadership Charter Academy, where he served as head football coach and offensive coordinator, in addition to earlier roles as a defensive coordinator. He also coached at Bowie Middle School and contributed to player development across multiple levels in West Texas.
Singleton's professional experience includes serving as a defensive backs coach for the West Texas Warbirds (2021–2023), helping guide the team to an Arena Football Association championship. He also spent five years as a professional arena football player, competing in leagues such as AF2 and the Indoor Football League, with teams including the San Angelo Stampede and Wichita Stealth.
A standout multi-sport athlete at San Angelo Central High School, Singleton earned all-district and regional honors in football and track and field before continuing his career at University of Texas at El Paso. At UTEP, he competed as a defensive back and special teams contributor on the football team while also excelling in track and field as a 200m, 400m, and relay specialist. He remains ranked among the program's top performers in the 400 meters and was part of a Western Athletic Conference championship football team.
Singleton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UTEP and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, energy, and the holistic development of student-athletes, both on and off the field.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the flag football program at Howard Payne University," said Singleton. "It's exciting to be part of something new, and I look forward to laying a solid foundation that this university and the entire Brownwood community can be proud of. We're going to build this program the right way—with faith, energy, and purpose—trusting that, as Isaiah 40:31 says, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength as we grow and take this program to new heights. I can not thank Dr. Hines, Dr. Penland, and Coach Bright enough for the opportunity to be a Yellow Jacket."
Howard Payne's addition of flag football reflects a broader national movement, with increased participation and institutional support at the high school and collegiate levels. The Yellow Jackets will begin recruiting immediately as they prepare for their inaugural season.
