Mount St. Mary’s Hires First-Ever Flag Football Head Coach

One month after announcing the country’s second Division I flag football program, Mount St. Mary’s has hired Sandi James (pictured right) 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 feet, 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.