MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Chowan University is set to make history in less than a day as the Hawks prepare for the program's inaugural women's flag football season, opening on Saturday, February 21. Although the team is new, the Hawks enter their first campaign under strong leadership and with high expectations.
Sherry Lewis, a Chowan graduate, was named the inaugural head coach in May 2025 and has worked to build the program up in preparation for competition in Conference Carolinas. She is accompanied by newly hired assistant Coach Courtney McLean who brings a stealth of flag football coaching knowledge of his own.
History in the Making
At the Conference Carolinas Flag Football Kickoff on February 4th at Bank of America Stadium, freshmen players Kiara Arguello and Adriana Lightfoot joined Lewis in representing Chowan and shared expectations for the upcoming season.
"I've been explaining to the girls how important it is to buy into what we are about to do," Lewis said during her interview with the conference office.
Lewis emphasized that preseason preparation centered on one key objective: building a strong culture.
"Establishing a solid foundation and creating camaraderie among the girls is going to be key. The closer we are, the more successful we will be," she added.
With that mindset, the Hawks are focused on making an immediate impact while carving out their place in Division II flag football history.
The Hawks' inaugural roster is youthful but driven — a quality that has quickly become one of the team's greatest strengths. With a roster of 13 freshmen and sophomores, the group has embraced the opportunity to grow together while helping establish a brand-new program.
Freshman Kiara Arguello, one of Lewis's first commits and a team captain, reflected on her journey to collegiate flag football.
"I played co-ed flag football when I was younger, and now getting to play at the college level is special," Arguello said.
Fellow captain Adriana Lightfoot, a freshman from Williamsburg, Va., also represented the Hawks at the conference kickoff while balancing participation in multiple sports.
"I also play on the Chowan women's soccer team, and it's interesting juggling the soccer offseason while going into football season. I'm excited and ready to see what this season holds for us," Lightfoot said.
Freshman Naveah Higdon of Charlotte, N.C., rounds out the Hawks' leadership trio as the third team captain. Higdon was also named one of the conference's players to watch alongside Arguello and Lightfoot.
Additional freshmen contributing to the historic roster include Kamari Coleman (Richmond, Va.), Dusabe Uwera (Wilmington, N.C.), Destiny Lawhorn (Paterson, N.J.), Akija Castillo (Jacksonville, N.C.), Shatavia Brooks (South Boston, Va.), and A'Yana Johnson (Charlotte, N.C.), along with team manager Brian Lopez.
The sophomore class features Janaya Perry (Edenton, N.C.), Tanaezja Hill (Garner, N.C.), Zyian Heyligar (Birmingham, Ala.), Jacelyn Hammock (South Boston, Va.), and Kiara Lopez (Crofton, Md.), several of whom also compete in other Chowan athletic programs.
The Season Ahead
The Hawks open their historic season with a full day of action at Garrison Stadium on February 21, hosting Lindsey Wilson College at 11 a.m. before facing Winston-Salem State University at 3 p.m.
Chowan continues its homestand Wednesday, February 25, against Lees-McRae College to begin conference play, followed by matchups with Mars Hill and Barton College. The contest against Barton will mark the program's first night game, scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff on March 18.
The Hawks will conclude the regular season on April 11 against King University in Mars Hill, N.C. before heading to Durham County Memorial Stadium on April 17-19 to compete in the inaugural Conference Carolinas Women's Flag Football Championship.
Ready to Make History
As the countdown to kickoff continues, excitement surrounding the program continues to grow. Lewis encouraged fans to be part of the historic moment.
"Show up and support. Share our posts, pack the stands, and help us make history. These ladies have worked hard for this," Lewis said.
With a new program, strong leadership, and a determined roster, the Hawks are ready to take the field and begin a historic chapter in Chowan athletics.
