ALBANY, N.Y. – The Russell Sage College Department of Athletics has announced the selection of Denver Divens (Boonville, N.Y.) as the first head coach for the newly added women's flag football program. Divens, a 2016 graduate of SUNY Brockport, joins the Gators after serving as an assistant coach for the American International College men's and women's rugby programs since March 2023.

"I am beyond excited to be Russell Sage's first head coach of the women's flag football team!" noted Divens, who will officially resume the role on July 1, 2025. He added, "The support from the administration, student athletes and the community is so incredible it really makes me proud to call Russell Sage my new home."

The 22nd athletic program at Russell Sage College, an NCAA Division III institution, will open its first varsity campaign in the spring of 2026.

"Russell Sage Athletics is excited to have Denver Divens as the leader of our newest varsity sport, women's flag football," said Jim Lyons, Director of Athletics. "Denver has extensive college coaching and recruiting experience and brings a fresh and exciting approach to coaching flag football.  His passion for working with and empowering young women to be the best they can be on the field and in the classroom was evident throughout the hiring process.  We look forward to seeing Coach Divens on the sidelines with Sage this coming season." 

Divens came to AIC from Vermont State University: Castleton, where he was the head women's rugby coach from June 2021 through February 2023. While there, he oversaw the entire program, including recruiting, budgeting and fundraising, practice and game planning, equipment inventory and ordering, and game day operations.

Prior to taking over the women's rugby program for the Spartans, Divens was an assistant coach for the football team for three seasons from 2019-2022.  He coached wide receivers directly and game planned against opposing secondaries. Additionally, he was film coordinator and assistant recruiting coordinator. 

Before that, he was an assistant coach for linebackers at Kenyon College.

Divens graduated from SUNY Brockport in 2016 with a degree in sports management and a coaching minor. While at Castleton, he earned a master's degree in athletic leadership.