MURFREESBORO, N.C. - Chowan University's Sherry Lewis has been named a 2026 Scott Pioli and Family Fund recipient. The Fund provides direct financial support to help women coaches and scouts advance their careers at the collegiate and professional levels. 

"I am incredibly honored to share that I am a 2026 recipient of The Scott Pioli & Family Fund for Women Football Coaches and Scouts through the Women's Sports Foundation," said Lewis. 

"This scholarship will allow me to attain advanced coaching education and training to apply to the development of the Flag football program at Chowan University, as well as help other up and coming female coaches gain opportunities in the field."

Lewis embarked on her first season as the head coach of the women's flag football team at Chowan this past year. Conference Carolinas was on the cutting edge of the sport, becoming one of the first conferences in the nation to sponsor the sport. In February Coach Lewis and other Conference Carolinas coaches and players participated in a league hosted media day at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, home of the Carolina Panthers. 

Past recipients have already made their mark with teams like the Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. This year's class features coaches from all levels of collegiate women's flag football. Lewis is one of just five candidates selected for the scholarship through the Women's Sport Foundation. The WSF was founded in 1974 by legendary female in sport advocate, Billie Jean King. 

"As one of few women in this male-dominated space, the support and recognition means the world to me. I am grateful, humbled and ready to get to work. Thank you Scott Pioli Family and the Women's Sports Foundation for investing in women who are changing the game," said Lewis. 

Lewis continues to make her mark in the sport of women's flag football, also earning the Soldier to Sidelines Coach of the Month this year and participating in the Soldier to Sidelines Coaching Program.