Over the past year, Blackburn College has launched an exciting lineup of new NCAA and club sports, marking a major step forward in enhancing student life and leveraging the College’s state-of-the-art Blackburn Athletic Center.
“These additions reflect our vision to expand meaningful opportunities for students to connect, compete, and belong,” said Director of Athletics Kim Camara-Harvey. “We’re continually working to enrich the student experience—giving students more ways to discover their passions, develop leadership skills, and feel a sense of purpose and pride in being part of the Blackburn community.”
Blackburn’s women’s flag football program begins recruiting this fall for its 2026 debut. Coach Stephanie Aragon, an active professional flag and tackle football player, will bring playing and coaching experience to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, with especially strong growth among Illinois high schools.
Cheer is returning to Blackburn. Guided by Coach Molly Suttles, the program will begin by energizing campus life before expanding into a competitive club sport. A former collegiate cheerleader with national competition experience at both NCA and UCA College Nationals, Suttles brings valuable insight and coaching experience to building the program.
The clay target team will begin competition in 2026 under Coach Lauren Dunn. Dunn, a 17-time All-American and two-time national championship coach, has led Lindenwood University’s team to back-to-back national titles. Inducted into the Illinois State Trapshooters Association Hall of Fame in 2024, she brings unmatched expertise to a sport that’s rapidly growing across the region.
Women’s wrestling has recently been launched, led by Head Coach Marcus Cobbs. Prior to Cobbs has coached multiple NAIA National Qualifiers and two All-Americans prior to Blackburn. With a strong vision for competitive excellence and student development, he is poised to build a lasting foundation for the program’s success.
These new opportunities are designed to make a significant impact with thoughtful use of existing resources. For example, Blackburn already had the indoor and outdoor facilities needed for women’s flag football, as well as much of the equipment from the College’s intramural offerings. More importantly, these additions create dynamic, high-quality experiences that empower students to pursue their athletic passions while earning a Blackburn education.
After investing in a first-class facility, we wanted to maximize its potential.
Larry K. Lee
Blackburn President
“Every student-athlete at Blackburn is, first and foremost, a student who’s fully engaged in the Blackburn academic experience,” Camara-Harvey said. “They’re not just athletes—they’re students committed to their academics and workers contributing to the College through the Work Program. More than half of our Work Program managers are student-athletes, which speaks to their leadership and dedication. Athletics is an extension of the College’s hands-on approach, the kind of experience that prepares Blackburn graduates to thrive after they leave campus.
“After investing in a first-class facility, we wanted to maximize its potential,” President Larry K. Lee said. “These programs let us do that while continuing to offer students the chance to learn, lead, and take ownership of their college experience. Student-athletes are current and future leaders who will contribute to every part of campus life.”