THOMASVILLE- Thomas University’s gymnasium was filled with onlookers and well-wishers Saturday afternoon, as the University recognized the 2022 SUN Conference Flag Football Championship Team and 2022 NAIA Runner-Up National Champion Team. 

The Lady Night Hawks boasted an impressive 15-1 overall record, going 9-1 in the SUN Conference, clenching the Championship and a 13-game winning streak. 

During the regular season, the Lady Night Hawks shut out four opponents, including Xavier University of Louisiana (57-0), Warner (14-0), Milligan University (59-0) and St. Thomas (13-0). 

Post- season began with another shut out over Milligan (79-0), marking the largest shutout in history. 

The Lady Night Hawks went on to finish as NAIA runner-ups

To add to their impressive record, several athletes were awarded and recognized by the SUN Conference during the team’s inaugural year. 

Kiana Acol was named the 2022 SUN Conference Flag Football Offensive Player of the Year, while Janae Scott was named the 2022 SUN Conference Flag Football Defensive Player of the Year. 

Leading this group was Coach Chelsea Parmer, who went on to be named 2022 SUN Conference Flag Football Coach of the Year and Athletic Trainer Daniel Parker, who was named 2022 SUN Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year. 

Parmer has been coaching flag football since 2009, but was named Head Coach of the Lady Night Hawks for their inaugural season. 

While she was shocked to win Coach of the Year and even more shocked when the team became champions in their first year, she said it is all because of the players. 

“We have a really talented group,” Parmer said. “They really bought into what we were doing and the coaching staff.” 

Parmer went on to say, it was a smaller team, and it helped they all stayed healthy during the season. 

“They toughed it out and went on to win it all,” she said proudly. “I’m blessed with a great group of good athletes and players who want to win it all.” 

When looking toward this upcoming season, which starts in February, Parmer said all of the players are returning, and another championship could be in the future. 

According to Parmer, there is now a target on the team’s back with all of the attention, while they were able to fly under the radar last year. 

“The mentality has to change a little bit, and there’s going to be a different approach, but we are looking forward to it,” she concluded. 

TU will begin their season against St. Thomas at home on February 18, 2023.