Kristin Gillette Announces the Addition of Women's Flag Football to Park Athletics; Lee Named Inaugural Head Coach
Park University's Director of Athletics Kristin Gillette has announced the addition of Women's Flag Football to the department's sport offerings with Krishna Lee being named the program's inaugural head coach.
Lee officially begins her role as Park University prepares to launch the program and begin recruiting student-athletes for future competition.
About bringing a new program into the fold of the department and welcoming Lee aboard, Gillette said, "Park University Athletics is excited to welcome Krishna Lee as we prepare for the inaugural season of Women's Flag Football. Krishna's commitment to the development of female athletes, from the youth level to professional competition, will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes and the growth of the program. Her passion for teaching, mentoring, and empowering young women aligns perfectly with the mission of Park Athletics. We look forward to the energy, vision, and leadership she will bring as we launch Women's Flag Football at Park University."
Women's Flag Football continues to experience rapid growth across the country and provides new opportunities for female student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level. Additional information regarding conference affiliation, competition schedules, and recruiting opportunities will be announced at a later date.
Lee brings an extensive background in athletics administration, coaching, leadership development, and women's football to Park University. She currently serves as General Manager of the Kansas City Glory of the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC), overseeing team operations, strategic planning, community outreach initiatives, and gameday operations.
Prior to joining Park, Lee served as Athletics Director for Kansas City Parks and Recreation, managing youth and adult sports programs, leagues, tournaments, facilities, and community partnerships throughout the Kansas City area. She also served as Manager of Recreation for KC Parks and Recreation and spent a year with the NAIA National Office as Manager of Legislative Services.
Lee's coaching experience includes three seasons as an assistant track and field coach at the University of Missouri, where she was involved in recruiting, athlete development, operations, and sport psychology initiatives.
"I am incredibly excited and honored to be entrusted with building the Women's Flag Football program at Park University," Lee said. "As a kid, I spent countless hours watching my brothers represent Park on the men's volleyball team. That little girl never imagined she would one day have the opportunity to lead a program of her own here.
"Park University has a long tradition of excellence, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the outstanding coaches, administrators, and staff who have built that legacy. I look forward to contributing to that tradition while helping establish a program that reflects the values and standards that make Park special.
"The rapid growth of flag football has created incredible opportunities for girls and women, both on and off the field, and I'm thrilled to be part of that movement. I look forward to building a competitive program and creating an environment where student-athletes develop the skills, confidence, and leadership to succeed long after their playing careers are over."
A standout athlete in her own right, Lee was a three-time NCAA Division I All-American at the University of Missouri in the shot put and hammer throw. She qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the shot put and was a 2009 U.S. Championships qualifier. In 2024, she was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following her collegiate career, Lee became one of the most decorated players in women's professional football. She earned four Women's Football Alliance All-American selections, was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, and later earned Women's National Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 while competing for the Kansas City Glory. Lee also represented Team USA as a member of the United States Women's Tackle Football National Team.
Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a Master of Education in Health Education and Promotion with an emphasis in Sport Psychology from the University of Missouri.