ST. AUGUSTINE – Flagler College Athletics announced today that the College will join the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) as a full member beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.
The move marks a significant new chapter for the Saints, aligning Flagler with one of NCAA Division II’s premier conferences and strengthening the College’s presence across the state of Florida.
“We are indeed grateful to the Sunshine State Conference, President Dr. James Annarelli, and Commissioner Chris Graham for extending this opportunity to us. It is an honor to be joining such a strong and prestigious conference and to be affiliated with all the fine SSC member institutions.” said Flagler’s Director of Athletics Jud Damon.
The addition of Flagler was met with strong support from conference leadership throughout the membership review and approval process, reflecting the College’s growing reputation for excellence in both academics and athletics.
“There was unanimous and enthusiastic support on the SSC Presidents Council to approve Flagler’s application for conference membership, and my Council colleagues and I are excited to welcome Flagler to the SSC family,” said Dr. James Annarelli, President of Eckerd College and current President of the SSC Presidents Council. “The addition of Flagler–a private, Florida institution with strong traditions of athletic success and academic achievement–to the “Conference of National Champions” is a natural development in the evolution of both Flagler College and the Sunshine State Conference.”
Membership in the SSC creates a strong strategic fit for Flagler academically, athletically, and geographically. The move places the Saints alongside fellow Florida private institutions, strengthens recruiting visibility among prospective student-athletes considering colleges in the state, and enhances the College’s presence in every major Florida media market.
“This is a strategic moment in the continued evolution of Flagler College. As our institution grows in academic reputation, student opportunity, and statewide impact, the time is right to align with a conference that reflects those same standards of excellence. Joining the Sunshine State Conference places Flagler among distinguished peer institutions and positions our student-athletes to compete at the highest level while advancing the values of scholarship, leadership, and service that define this College.” said Flagler College President John Delaney.
Conference officials also emphasized the immediate competitive and scheduling benefits that Flagler’s arrival will bring, while further strengthening an already elite league profile.
“Flagler’s sport sponsorship corresponds very well with our championship offerings, and moving to 12 member institutions aids all institutions with balanced scheduling while filling contest needs,” noted SSC Commissioner Chris Graham. “The Saints field competitive, nationally recognized athletic and academic programs, and will add even greater depth to the strongest conference lineup in NCAA Division II.”
The move also reinforces the College’s Florida identity and aligns the Saints with respected peer institutions such as University of Tampa, Rollins College, Eckerd College, Florida Southern College, Barry University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Regional matchups, including Flagler’s rivalry with Embry-Riddle, are expected to enhance school spirit and community engagement.
Flagler will join the SSC after 17 years as a proud member of the Peach Belt Conference, having officially entered the league on July 1, 2009. Since then, the Saints have enjoyed sustained success competitively, academically, and in sportsmanship.
Flagler captured three Peach Belt Conference Commissioner’s Cups, including three of the last six awarded, earned the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award eight times, and received 39 Peach Belt Conference Team Sportsmanship Awards. The Saints also won 69 conference championships, made 111 NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, and claimed seven NCAA Division II Regional Championships.
Academically, Flagler was honored 11 times with the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence during its time in the Peach Belt Conference. The College also played a leadership role within the conference, with President Delaney serving as vice chair of the Peach Belt Conference Presidents Council since 2022, while Damon previously served two terms as chair of the Peach Belt Conference athletics directors group.
Flagler extends sincere gratitude to Diana Kling and former commissioner David Brunk, as well as the member institutions of the Peach Belt Conference, for nearly two decades of partnership, competition, and shared success.
