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LaGrange College Athletics will increase its program from 16 to 18 teams, with the addition of women’s golf and women’s flag football. The college’s Board of Trustees approved the two sports during its October meeting, according to a press release from the college.

“These new programs will help enhance LaGrange College’s efforts in recruiting high school athletes,” said LaGrange College President Susanna Baxter. “We will be able to showcase the college’s academic offerings and outstanding outcomes to a new population of prospective students.”

The women’s golf and flag football teams are set to begin competition in fall 2024 and spring 2025, respectively.

“These two sports are historic additions that will bring excitement and energy to campus,” said Terlynn Olds, LaGrange College Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. “We will be able to broaden our domestic and international base of student-athletes — and allow more women to enjoy the Panther experience.”

The golf program, which began at LaGrange College in 1993, will see the women’s team compete in the USA South Conference, where seven other institutions have women’s golf programs.

Shannon Lipham, LaGrange College Head Coach for Men’s Golf, will assume both coaching and recruiting responsibilities for the men’s and women’s teams. The program recently acquired an indoor practice room with a simulator thanks to donor funds.

To oversee the women’s flag football program, a national search will begin immediately for a head coach. LaGrange will be the second institution to add flag football in the Collegiate Conference of the South, with other competitors located within a two-hour drive from LaGrange.

“In Georgia, there are 7,000 girls participating in high school flag football,” Olds said. “These athletes in Troup County and throughout the state will have an additional option to continue the sport at the collegiate level.”

Recruiting will begin for the new teams in November.