The Middlebury College Panthers women's ice hockey team competes at the Division III level as part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). They represent Middlebury College and compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
The team was founded in 1981 and was coached by Duke Nelson in their inaugural season. They joined the ECAC East Conference in 1984 and were a member until 2001 when they left to join the NESCAC. They won six consecutive ECAC championships as a member of the conference. The program won the 2000 and 2001 AWCHA championships.
After joining the NESCAC, the Panthers have since won 12 tournament championships, and 15 regular season titles. They have made a record 20 appearances in the NCAA Division III women's ice hockey tournament, with 11 appearances in the Frozen Four, six title game appearances, and four national championships. Their 2022 championship was captured in record fashion, becoming the first women's ice hockey program to finish with an undefeated season.
Head coach Bill Mandigo began coaching the Panthers during the 1988âÂÂ89 season, and is the winningest coach in women's ice hockey across all three divisions with 681 victories at the conclusion of the 2024âÂÂ25 season. Mandigo announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2025âÂÂ26 season. He retires with an all-time 698-185-60 record, and 38 seasons at Middlebury.
Six former coaches or players have been inducted into the Middlebury College Athletics Hall of Fame.