Sunshine State Conference Announces Addition of Flagler College Beginning in 2027-2028
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) proudly announces the addition of Flagler College as its newest member institution. Flagler will join the conference as a full member beginning July 1, 2027, further strengthening the SSC’s reputation as one of the premier National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II conferences in the country.
“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.”
“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.
Located in St. Augustine, Florida, Flagler College brings a dynamic athletics program that sponsors 19 men’s and women’s sports, plus Cheerleading which is not sponsored by the SSC, and an overall mission that aligns with current SSC members. The addition of Flagler expands the conference’s footprint within the great state of Florida and introduces new regional rivalries that will build on the SSC brand and student-athlete experience.
Beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year, Flagler’s teams will compete against a distinguished group of SSC member institutions, all of which share a commitment to providing high-quality educational and athletic experiences. The SSC set an NCAA Division II record for most national championships in one year with eight during the 2024-2025 academic year. Flagler fields many nationally ranked programs including the current #1 Women’s Lacrosse team in all of Division II.
“Flagler’s sport sponsorship corresponds very well with our championship offerings, and moving to 12 members 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.”
“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.
About the Sunshine State Conference
Founded in 1975, Sunshine State Conference has risen from a single-sport league to the NCAA Division II “Conference of National Champions.” Member institutions have won a total of 138 NCAA national championships across 15 sports and boast an NCAA Division II leading 89% Academic Success Rate. In 2025-26, the SSC marks its 50th anniversary, reflecting on a proud history of athletic and academic excellence.
The SSC consists of 11 member institutions, all within the state of Florida: Barry University (Miami Shores), Eckerd College (St. Petersburg), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach), Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne), Florida Southern College (Lakeland), Lynn University (Boca Raton), Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale), Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach), Rollins College (Winter Park), Saint Leo University (Saint Leo), and the University of Tampa.
For more information about the Sunshine State Conference, visit SunshineStateConference.com.