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RCX SPORTS FOUNDATION APPOINTS PHILLIPE KIRKSEY AS DIRECTOR OF THE IZELL REESE COMMUNITY CENTER

Community Leader, Educator, and Law Enforcement Veteran to Lead New Hub for Youth, Families, and Opportunity in Dothan

DOTHAN, AL (January 29, 2026) — RCX Sports Foundation, the non-profit arm of RCX Sports dedicated to expanding access, equity, and opportunity in youth development, today announced the appointment of Phillipe Kirksey as Director of the Izell Reese Community Center in Dothan, Alabama.

In this newly created role, Kirksey will oversee the growth and day-to-day operations of the Izell Reese Community Center, helping to establish it as a vibrant, trusted hub for youth, families, and community partners. He will lead programming focused on youth sports, education, STEM, wellness, and workforce readiness, while building strong partnerships that ensure the center serves as a cornerstone of opportunity across the Wiregrass region.

A longtime Dothan resident, educator, and 21-year law enforcement veteran, Kirksey brings deep community ties and a lifelong commitment to service. His career spans public safety, youth mentorship, and education, including his current role as a Criminal Justice instructor at Chipley High School and Vernon High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and multiple law enforcement certifications.

“The Izell Reese Community Center creates opportunity and hope right here at home,” said Kirksey. “I’ve spent my career serving young people, whether through education, mentorship, or public service, and I’m honored to help lead a space that gives kids a safe place to grow, learn, and discover their potential. The community center is a place where families feel supported, young people feel seen, and our community comes together.”

“Phillipe embodies everything this center stands for: service, leadership, and a genuine commitment to uplifting youth,” said Ericka Newsome, Executive Director of the RCX Sports Foundation. “He understands the community, he is committed to youth development, and he has the vision and energy needed to build something truly transformational for families in Dothan.”

The Izell Reese Community Center represents a significant investment in youth development and community empowerment. Kirksey will work closely with RCX Sports Foundation leadership to shape its long-term vision, expand programming, and establish sustainable partnerships that reflect the needs of local families.

Through innovative programming, strong partnerships, and a focus on inclusivity and access, the Izell Reese Community Center serves as a gathering place and resource hub designed to strengthen families, support youth development, and create new pathways for success.

About RCX Sports Foundation
The RCX Sports Foundation is the non-profit arm of RCX Sports, dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and access in youth sports and community programming. By providing safe, welcoming opportunities, the foundation works to ensure no child is denied the lifelong benefits of sports and structured youth development. For more information, visit rcxfoundation.org.

About the Izell Reese Community Center

Located in Dothan, Alabama, the Izell Reese Community Center is a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary hub—designed to inspire, empower, uplift, and foster positive change for youth, families, and the wider community.

Led by the RCX Sports Foundation and founded on the vision of Izell Reese, a Dothan native and former professional NFL player, the center reflects his lifelong commitment to service and community impact. It aims to unite the community through programs in STEM education, youth engagement, workforce development, community services, as well as support for local small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Media Contact:

Julian Galano
julian@22-spring.com

NCAA Adds Flag Football to It’s Emerging Sports for Women Program

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NCAA Adds Flag Football to It’s Emerging Sports for Women Program

Vote at 2026 NCAA Convention makes sport eligible to pursue championship status through emerging sports pathway

Flag football has been added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program, effective immediately, after representatives from all three divisions approved the recommendation this week at the 2026 NCAA Convention in the Washington, D.C., area.

Flag football has been one of the fastest-growing sports in the country at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. The sport’s momentum includes being added as a sport for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

“Welcoming women’s flag football into the Emerging Sports for Women is a meaningful step toward expanding access, equity and opportunity,” said Jacqie McWilliams, commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and chair of the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact. “This sport has already sparked passion nationwide, and now countless young women will see a path that once didn’t exist. We celebrate the programs leading the way and look forward to the transformative impact they will have on the future of collegiate athletics.”

“The addition of flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program underscores our commitment to expanding athletic opportunities that resonate with today’s student-athletes,” added Juan Hernandez, vice president of diversity, equity and belonging at Curry and vice chair of the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact. “The sport’s rapid growth across campuses and communities shows the demand for inclusive, competitive environments for women.”

The Emerging Sports for Women program is intended to help schools provide more athletics opportunities for women and more sport-sponsorship options for schools, while helping that sport achieve NCAA championship status. 

Since the program was created in 1994, eight sports have successfully become NCAA championship sports, including rowing (1996), ice hockey (2000), water polo (2000), bowling (2003), beach volleyball (2015) and women’s wrestling (2025). This week at the NCAA Convention, two other emerging sports — acrobatics and tumbling, and stunt — were approved to become NCAA championship sports in the 2026-27 academic year.

“Flag football has changed my life in ways I never imagined. This sport has led me to a college scholarship and a future in the game I love,” said Ki’Lolo Westerlund, a flag football student-athlete at Alabama State. “The NCAA’s decision to include women’s flag football in their Emerging Sport for Women program is incredibly meaningful because it shows that our hard work, dedication, and passion are being recognized. This vote gives future generations of women a real reason to believe that they can play, compete, and build a future in football. I’m so proud to be part of this moment and excited for what’s ahead.”

“The recognition of women’s flag football as an NCAA emerging sport marks an important and inspiring step forward for collegiate athletics. By opening new pathways for participation, leadership and scholarship, the NCAA strengthens its commitment to expanding equitable opportunities for women and embracing the evolution of modern sport,” said Marion Terenzio, president at SUNY Cobleskill and chair of the NCAA Emerging Sports Subcommittee of the Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact. “This moment signals both progress and possibility, inviting campuses across the country to support a dynamic, strategic and fast-rising discipline.”

Once in the Emerging Sports for Women program, a sport must have a minimum of 40 schools sponsoring the sport at the varsity level and meet minimum contest and participation requirements to be considered for NCAA championship status. Flag football’s immediate addition to the program means schools sponsoring the sport in the 2026 spring season can count toward the 40-school threshold required to establish a National Collegiate Championship if they meet minimum requirements. More details about legislative next steps are available in this document. As of summer 2025, NCAA sports sponsorship data showed that at least 40 NCAA schools planned to sponsor flag football at the varsity level in the 2025-26 academic year. Additional tracking from sport leaders anticipates as many as 60 schools could participate in spring 2026. The NCAA expects sponsorship to continue to increase.

“The NCAA’s decision to add flag football as an emerging sport validates years of momentum driven by athletes, coaches and community programs nationwide,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports and president of the RCX Sports Foundation. “It underscores both the growth of women’s flag football and the power of intentional investment to unlock opportunity. Our focus at RCX Sports Foundation is making sure the infrastructure — access, resources and support — keeps pace with the sport’s demand, empowering student-athletes to thrive at every level.”

“Today’s decision represents greater access, opportunity and momentum at a critical time ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut,” said USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re optimistic that, through this process, women’s flag football will be positioned as a viable NCAA championship sport, opening even more doors for competition, education, scholarships and potential pathways to Team USA Football. On behalf of the sport’s national governing body, I applaud the NCAA and our partners in the football ecosystem who championed this vote.”

RCX Sports Foundation and USA Football, the national sport leaders, submitted the application to become an emerging sport and lead the growth at the collegiate level. Both entities are also working with the NFL’s support to help grow women’s flag football at all levels.

“Adding flag football to the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program is a historic milestone for the game,” said Troy Vincent Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations. “This decision reflects the growing global enthusiasm for flag football and will open doors for young women to pursue their dreams and compete at the collegiate level. We applaud the NCAA for this transformational decision and look forward to collaborating with them to ensure flag football continues its path toward championship status.”

Football Meets STEAM Scores Big with Students in Dothan

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Football Meets STEAM Scores Big with Students in Dothan

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Izell Reese Community Center came alive with the sights, sounds, and excitement of football—through the lens of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Hosted by the RCX Sports Foundation with program content from 49ers EDU, the Football Meets STEAM STEM Saturday gave students and families in the Wiregrass region a unique, hands-on learning experience inspired by the game they love.

Learning Through the Game

Over the course of the morning, students rotated through interactive stations that revealed the powerful connection between sports and STEAM:

Physics in Play – Students discovered how force, motion, and trajectory shape every pass, kick, and tackle on the field.
Engineering the Game – They explored how innovative designs in helmets, cleats, and uniforms enhance player performance and safety.
The Art of Football – Participants learned how branding, color design, and fan experience create the unforgettable atmosphere of game day.

Building Skills and Inspiring Futures

The program was about sparking curiosity, building skills, and inspiring career exploration. Students left with a deeper understanding of how STEAM concepts apply in real-world settings, from sports science to creative design, engineering, and technology. Izell Reese, President & CEO of RCX Sports, shared the vision behind the event, “We want young people in Dothan to see that STEM and STEAM aren’t just subjects in school—they’re part of the world they live in and love. By connecting these concepts to football, we make learning exciting and show students that their passions can lead to real opportunities.”

A Continued Commitment to STEM in the Wiregrass

Football Meets STEAM is part of RCX Sports Foundation’s ongoing commitment to expand STEM access and opportunities in the Dothan community. Through STEM Saturdays, Racing with Rajah activations, and year-round partnerships with schools and local organizations, RCX is helping prepare the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers in the Wiregrass region.

Thank you to all students, families, educators, and community members who joined us for this exciting morning of football, creativity, and discovery.

Racing with Rajah Experience Inspires the Next Generation in the Wiregrass

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Racing with Rajah Experience Inspires the Next Generation in the Wiregrass

On Friday, October 17, 2025, the RCX Sports Foundation and Microsoft brought STEM to life for middle and high school students from across the Wiregrass region. The Racing with Rajah Experience blended the thrill of motorsports with cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning, and career exploration—creating a day where speed met STEM.

A Day of Learning, Inspiration, and Connection

The day kicked off at Talladega College, where students toured esports, STEM, and innovation spaces, experiencing firsthand how creativity, technology, and higher education intersect. The visit showcased the vibrant opportunities available at an HBCU, Talladega College and helped students envision themselves as future innovators and changemakers.

The day included Microsoft-led technology sessions that introduced students to artificial intelligence, simulation technology, and esports-style racing experiences. From experimenting with AI tools to testing their skills on racing simulators, participants gained a new understanding of how technology is shaping industries far beyond sports.

The participants went behind the scenes at Talladega Superspeedway, meeting NASCAR star Rajah Caruth. Rajah shared his personal journey into professional racing, offering a unique perspective on how passion, persistence, and STEM skills come together in motorsports. Students explored the precision engineering, data analysis, and teamwork that fuel success on the track.

Building Pathways for the Future

The Racing with Rajah Experiencewas a launchpad for curiosity, ambition, and possibility. By connecting students with professionals, showcasing real-world applications of STEM, and sparking excitement around careers of the future, RCX Sports Foundation and Microsoft are helping to build a stronger talent pipeline for the Wiregrass and beyond. This event is one of many in RCX Sports Foundation’s expansion into launching full scale STEM programming to advance the Dothan and Wiregrass community.

Thank you to all students, educators, and partners who made this day possible. The energy, questions, and enthusiasm we saw confirm that the future of innovation is bright in our community.

Students Dive into Innovation at STEM Saturday in Dothan

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Students Dive into Innovation at STEM Saturday in Dothan

Students Dive into Innovation at STEM Saturday in Dothan

Dothan, AL — On September 13, dozens of local students explored the future of technology at STEM Saturday, hosted at the Izell Reese Community Center. The event, powered by Ed Farm and supported by the RCX Sports Foundation, gave kids hands-on access to robotics, AR/VR, podcasting, and more — all designed to spark curiosity and build real-world skills.

More than 50 students rotated through interactive learning stations, including Sphero robotics challenges, virtual reality exploration, and podcast creation. The program was packed with fun and learning, complete with snacks, prizes, and branded swag bags that added to the high-energy, collaborative atmosphere.

“We created this experience to spark curiosity and show students how exciting STEM can be,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports and President of RCX Sports Foundation. “At RCX Sports Foundation, we believe access sparks opportunity. By putting cutting-edge tools like robotics, virtual reality, and podcasting in kids’ hands, we’re showing them the future and empowering them to imagine themselves as creators and leaders in it.”

The event was part of a broader effort to expand tech access and education across Alabama, supported by the Wiregrass Foundation, Alabama STEM Council, and other community partners.

A huge thank you to the sponsors and volunteers who made this experience possible.

To learn more about upcoming programs, visit rcxfoundation.org.

About RCX Sports Foundation
The RCX Sports Foundation is dedicated to creating more access and equity in youth sports through grants, programming, and partnerships. As the non-profit arm of RCX Sports, the Foundation focuses on expanding youth sports opportunities so all children can experience the lifelong benefits of sports. By removing barriers to participation, the Foundation helps young athletes discover confidence, build character, and thrive both on and off the field.

About the Izell Reese Community Center
Located in Dothan, Alabama, the Izell Reese Community Center is a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary hub designed to inspire, empower, and foster positive change for youth, families, and the wider community.

Led by the RCX Sports Foundation and founded on the vision of Izell Reese, a Dothan native and former NFL player, the center aims to unite the community through programs in STEM education, youth engagement, workforce development, health and wellness, and small business support.

Now in its second phase, the project features a STEM lab, workforce readiness areas, health and wellness zones, and co-working spaces for local enterprises and nonprofits — all born from a grassroots initiative that began with a single flag football field.

Highlights from the RCX Sports Foundation AED Safety Webinar

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League operators, coaches, and medical professionals from across the country came together for an important conversation about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the leading cause of death in youth sports.

Hosted by the RCX Sports Foundation, in partnership with ZOLL® Medical and Cardio Partners, the webinar brought together real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance to help every youth sports organization build a safer game day environment. The message was clear: being prepared saves lives.

Why Preparation Matters

When an athlete collapses on the field, every second counts. The webinar focused on two critical tools that can make all the difference—emergency action plans (EAPs) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs)—and how training, awareness, and access can turn bystanders into first responders.

“It’s not a matter of if this could happen at an event, it’s a matter of when,” said Jason Gotham, National Account Manager at ZOLL Medical. “We lose a student athlete every 3.5 days.

Organizations with AEDs and emergency preparedness protocols have seen survival rates as high as 70%. ZOLL AEDs are the only ones on the market that provide real-time CPR feedback—studies show this can more than double survival rates.”

Turning Awareness into Action

Michael Riggs, EMT-Paramedic and Emergency Preparedness Consultant at Cardio Partners, shared that readiness needs to become second nature, just like fire drills in schools.

“When the fire alarm goes off, everyone knows what to do,” Riggs said. “But when someone collapses from SCA without a plan, chaos takes over. That’s why programs like this one are so critical. They help organizations turn fear into action.”

Riggs commended the collaboration between Cardio Partners, ZOLL, and RCX Sports Foundation, noting that “together, we’ve built a program that truly equips organizations to save lives.”

A Safer Future for Youth Sports

To close out the evening, the RCX Sports Foundation raffled off two ZOLL AEDs to league operators in attendance:

Kaywhon Douglas, Metro Columbia Lions (Columbia, South Carolina)
Glenn Leibel, Robert Jacobson Sports Foundation (Ardsley, New York)

These devices will go directly into the hands of leaders who are already making a difference in youth sports safety.
Organizations interested in learning more or purchasing an AED at a discounted rate can visit www.rcxfoundation.org/aed-grants