From brand-new program to championship contender in a single season, the SUNY Cortland women’s flag football team has wasted no time making its mark. In its inaugural 2025 campaign, the Red Dragons built a roster from scratch, earned the program’s first win, upset the No. 1 seed in the postseason, and advanced to the championship game. Now entering year two, Cortland is no longer a feel-good story; it’s a team with unfinished business.
Their results from last year were impressive, considering the team was just starting off, having to build a whole team from scratch. Spring of 2025 showcased the first-ever season for the Red Dragons flag football team, where they competed in the NCCFL league, which hosted two tournaments in Buffalo and Staten Island. In March of 2025, they played in Buffalo, where the team finished with a 1-3 record, playing a great first game against Brockport, but in the end falling short. The Red Dragons ended up beating Geneseo for the team’s first historical win. Next month they went on to play in the Staten Island tournament where they had a improved record of 2-2, preparing them for the post-season.
As the season continued, the Red Dragons started to pick up momentum, building on their team chemistry and talent. They qualified for the postseason playoffs, knocking off the #1-seeded Villa and advancing to the championship. They matched up against College of Staten Island in the finals, where the team showcased true heart and skill, but ultimately falling short and ending their season.
Wide receiver Emma Romach, one of four all-stars recognized after the season, said the near-title run has only strengthened the team’s belief heading into year two.
“We’re definitely looking for a championship win,” Romach said. “We came really close last season, so we know it’s possible. Everything we’re doing this season is building up to another chance at winning the championship ring.”
That confidence is rooted in lessons learned during the inaugural campaign. What stood out most to the team was the realization that postseason placement does not define their potential.
“Our biggest lesson was that whether you’re placed first or last, everyone has the ability to make it to the championship,” Romach said. “We were placed last and still made it to the championship game with the lowest record out of everyone.”
The experience of navigating adversity, adjusting to tournament play and competing under playoff pressure gave the Red Dragons something invaluable, belief. What started as a group simply trying to build a foundation quickly transformed into a team that expects to compete for titles.
Four players, Romach, Mac Wood, Julianna DiMarzio, and Sam Toscano, earned all-star honors following the season, further validating the talent on the roster. DiMarzio, the team’s starting quarterback, returns with another year of experience in the system, while key contributors on both sides of the ball provide leadership and stability.
The Red Dragons will compete in three tournaments this spring, along with a doubleheader against Albany. With a full season now behind them, expectations are higher not just externally, but within the locker room.
Now, as we enter the new season, the team has been practicing all fall, getting ready to come back better than ever. This year, they have 3 tournaments to play in and a big double header against Albany. The Red Dragons will look to gain even more experience with more competition and opportunities to win.
“We want to come out as strong as we did at the end of last season,” Romach said. “We had a lot of good things going for us, so if we can carry that into this season, good things are going to happen.”
With leadership from returning all-stars, improved depth across the roster and the memory of a championship game still fresh, the Red Dragons are not satisfied with simply repeating last season’s success. They are aiming to take the final step.
What was once a brand-new program learning how to compete has quickly evolved into a legitimate contender. And this time, Cortland is not just chasing history; it is chasing a championship.