Ferrum, VA, August 28, 2025 – Ferrum College proudly launches its inaugural season competing at the NCAA Division II level, marking an exciting new chapter for Panther Athletics. This milestone year also brings another first: Ferrum College is home to the only NCAA Division II Women’s Flag Football program in Virginia. Beginning in Spring 2026, the team will compete in its home conference, Conference Carolinas.
Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation and will make its global debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. By launching the first program in the state, Ferrum College is providing female student-athletes an unprecedented opportunity to compete in a sport on the rise and potentially pursue Olympic aspirations.
“This is a historic moment for Ferrum College,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, president of Ferrum College. “Our entry into Division II athletics and the launch of Virginia’s first women’s flag football team reflect Ferrum College’s unwavering commitment to innovation, opportunity, and excellence. We are proud to lead the way, giving young women across the Commonwealth, the United States, and the world the chance to compete in this groundbreaking sport and perhaps even set their sights on the Olympic stage.”
The Panthers’ new team will be led by Head Coach Garrett Roth, who is eager to build a strong foundation and set the tone for this historic first season.
“It is an honor to coach this group of young women, who are not only competitors but also pioneers,” said Coach Roth. “They are helping shape the future of women’s flag football in Virginia and beyond. With the sport’s upcoming debut on the Olympic stage just a few years away, our players know they are part of history every time they step on the field.”
Ferrum College’s dual milestones – the transition to NCAA Division II and the launch of women’s flag football – underscore the College’s vision for growth and excellence. The Panthers are ready to make history in Conference Carolinas.
For schedules and more information, please visit www.ferrumpanthers.com.
