Charlotte, N.C. ---- As part of National Women and Girls in Sports Day, select representatives from Wingate's inaugural Flag Football team attended the Conference Carolinas Flag Football Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium. This event celebrated the expansion of women's flag football to the Division II level in the Carolinas. Wingate head coach Joe Schlager, sophomore Madison Jones and freshman Saylor Swanson attended on behalf of the Bulldogs. They were interviewed about their thoughts on the upcoming season, then attended a press conference with representatives from Conference Carolinas, the Carolina Panthers and the Durham Sports Commission. 

Conference Carolinas was the first Division I or II league to sponsor flag football as a varsity sport. The conference will have 11 institutions competing in the 2026 season. "Conference Carolinas is excited to be leading the way for growing the sport," said CC Commissioner Chris Colvin. "We want to be on the front lines of granting access and providing the opportunity for women and girls to play the game of flag football." 

Thoughts from Coach Schlager after the Kickoff
"The Conference Carolina's Kickoff for Women's Flag Football was a milestone marker event for the sport! We're very gracious to have had the opportunity to participate in the event hosted at the Carolina Panthers facility. The commitment and promotion of Flag Football by Conference Carolinas, the Panthers, Durham Sports Commission, RCX/NFL Flag and so many others at this event is the culmination of the growth and energy for the sport!"

"We're incredibly excited and eager to compete this season as a member of Conference Carolinas. In the years to come, it will be symbolic to look back and reflect on the start of flag football at the NCAA level and our part in this event and this first season!"

Thoughts from Madison Jones 
"Having the opportunity to go to the Panthers' stadium for an event welcoming flag football to Conference Carolinas was an incredible experience. The support of the NFL has made a huge impact on the game, and I'm excited for it to receive even more recognition. I am super excited to be a part of the first season at Wingate and ready to show everyone who we are. Flag football has taught me to embrace change and never assume it is too late to get involved."

Thoughts from Saylor Swanson 
"Wednesday was so special. Being able to compete at the NCAA Division II level is an incredible opportunity and I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped make this first Conference Carolinas season possible. The level of talent in this sport is amazing, and I'm excited to compete against so many strong athletes. I'm proud to be a part of a sport that's growing so quickly and look forward to helping flag football continue to gain the recognition it deserves."

Swanson was also featured in this story about the event on WBTV. 

The Bulldogs will open their inaugural season on Feb. 26 with a trip to Georgia to take on NAIA Reinhardt. The 'Dogs take on CC opponents Barton and Mount Olive at Graham Gill Field on March 21.

Wingate University

Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. 

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 17 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.

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