EMMITSBURG, Md. (December 9, 2024) – One month after announcing the country's second Division I flag football program, Mount St. Mary's has hired Sandi James to serve as the team's first-ever head coach.
"I am super excited to make HERstory as the first Head Women's Flag Football coach in Mount St. Mary's history!" James said. "My goal is to create opportunities for women's football and to inspire more women in sports. I'm excited for the potential of flag football at the college level, and to shatter through any glass ceilings that were created!"
James is a professional tackle football player, with almost a decade of experience between the Baltimore Nighthawks and her current team, the DC Divas, a member of the Women's Football Alliance. Fluctuating between the offensive and defensive line, James is presently working on the defensive side of the ball while also serving as a team captain.
"Sandi is the perfect person to begin a new era for Mount St. Mary's Athletics." Director of Athletics Brad Davis said. "Her personality, emotional intelligence, and selflessness are excellent fits for leading a new program that will make history. Sandi already is a football player, coach, pioneer, and leader, and I can't wait to see this program develop with Sandi as our leader."
In addition to her playing career, James gained coaching experience as head coach of the Divas' PowHERful Camps, providing instruction in a two-month camp for girls 8-16. She also has seven years' experience working with the NFL's Play 60 Camps, assisting coaches in activities and supervision for children 8-17.
James also competed in basketball before her career in football, earning an opportunity to play at the collegiate level for Wake Forest University. Standing 6 foot, 6 inches in height, James was the tallest player to play for the Demon Deacons at the time of her recruitment.
Along with her experience on the gridiron and basketball court, James has competed in pageants. In 2023, she was in the Royal Court for the Ms. Full Figured D.M.V. Pageant. Crowned as Cover Girl 2023, James became the first women's tackle football player to earn the recognition.
Mount St. Mary's announced flag football as the university's 26th varsity sport this past November 7. The program is scheduled to begin play in the spring of 2026.
Interested parties, including prospective student-athletes for the first-ever team in 2025-26, who wish further information can email
flagfootball@msmary.edu or fill out the
recruiting questionnaire.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SANDI JAMES
Rich Daniel, Owner, DC Divas
"Sandi's experiences combining a D1 athletic background and then as a football player after college, give her a real opportunity to grow as a coach and mentor while helping the next generation to do the same. Her participation in youth camps and clinics has only increased her purposeful steps of giving back, which have led to this opportunity. The university has chosen an excellent ambassador and leader for their program."
Tanya Bryan, CEO & Founder, Baltimore Nighthawks
"Mount St. Mary's University is taking a historic step in starting a women's flag program. Choosing Sandi James as the head coach is a game changing move because the most important part of coaching is caring about the people who commit to playing for you. Sandi is going to make sure the young women on her flag team are good athletes, good students, and that they leave Mount St. Mary's university as great women who will be amazing leaders in whatever roles they take on after college."
Allysea "Ghost" Marfull, Head Coach, DC Divas
"I'm so proud of the contributions that Sandi has made to Women's Professional Tackle Football and our DC DIVA family. I know she will bring her passion for the game and teaching to the Mount St. Mary's inaugural program. We wish her and the entire Mount St. Mary's community the best of luck in the seasons to come."
Patrice Brown, Offensive Line Coach, PowHERful Camps Liaison, DC Divas
"Sandi James embodies the spirit of resilience and leadership that we champion at the D.C. Divas. Her journey from player to coach is a testament to her dedication, heart for positively impacting people, and passion for the game period we are thrilled and so proud of her accomplishment becoming the first-ever flag football coach at Mount St. Mary's University, where she will undoubtedly inspire and empower the next generation of women athletes."
Lorrine Coleman-Ross, Director, Ms. Full Figured D.M.V. Pageant
"Sandi James proves that true greatness lies in breaking barriers and building bridges. As a pro football player and pageant queen, she shattered stereotypes, and through her dedication to giving back, she uplifted her community, showing that strength and beauty are most powerful when shared with others. She reminds us that true champions don't just win; they inspire, uplift, and give back."
Lois Cook, Vice President and Pro Athlete, DC Divas
"I am so excited to see Mount St. Mary's university embracing the incredible growth of women's flag football and creating opportunities for young women to thrive both on and off the field. The growth of the sport and only highlights talent and action in the game, but also paves the way for careers and personal development, empowering women in countless ways. With Sandi James leading the way, this team is in exceptional hands. Sandi is not only a remarkable and talented athlete, but she is also a creative, passionate, and devoted leader and my very own teammate. Over the years, I've witnessed her dedication to the sport and her ability to inspire others firsthand. This is a proud moment for women in football, and I have no doubt Mount St. Mary's will set a new standard of excellence under Sandi's leadership.
