Trailblazing Panthers: Ferrum College women’s flag football celebrates groundbreaking inaugural season

FERRUM, Va. (WDBJ) - Being the first to do something can be intimidating, but the Ferrum College women’s flag football team didn’t let the pressure slow them down.

In their inaugural season, the Panthers put together a dominant 19-5 record, coming just one win shy of capturing the Conference Carolinas tournament championship. While the on-field success has been remarkable, players and coaches say their impact off the field is what matters most.

“We’re really creating history here now,” sophomore Macy Taylor said. “It’s just really groundbreaking for us to be the trailblazers in our sport. To jump right in during our first year in the conference and excel the way we did was really neat.”

For players like Taylor and fellow sophomore Malaea Lotima-Tonga, the program represents more than just athletic achievement—it is about inspiring the next generation of female athletes.

“It’s just super inspiring for us to be out here paving the way for young girls who grew up watching their brothers and dads play football,” Taylor said. “We want to give them that opportunity.”

“Just inspire girls to do what they like,” Lotima-Tonga added. “If you have the choice, then go for it.”

Flag football is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and the momentum is catching on quickly in southwest Virginia. Ferrum head coach Garrett Roth says the next major milestone is helping establish the sport at the high school level.

“I think a big key point for us as we continue forward is continuing to get it in the high schools as well,” Roth said. “What better trailblazer than to see that there are athletic and academic scholarships on the line, and the opportunities that this sport is able to create for people.”

The Panthers will look to build on their historic debut this October when they return to action at the Radford University flag football tournament.