BANNER ELK, N.C. — Lees-McRae College Director of Athletics
Ed Winters has announced the hiring of
Darren FitzGerald as the next head coach of the Bobcats flag football program.
"We are excited to welcome
Darren FitzGerald to lead our flag football program at Lees-McRae College," said Winters. "Coach FitzGerald brings decades of experience working with and mentoring young people, and his commitment to leadership, accountability, and student development strongly aligns with the mission of our institution. We believe he is the right person to recruit and develop young women of character who will be a source of pride throughout our campus community. We are excited for the future of Lees-McRae Flag Football under his leadership."
FitzGerald brings nearly three decades of experience in education, leadership, and coaching to Lees-McRae. Since 1997, he has served at Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, California, in a variety of leadership and student-centered roles, including Student Dean, Coach, Teacher, and Assistant Athletic Director.
Since taking over as head coach of the Verdugo Hills girls flag football program in 2023, FitzGerald has established a competitive program built on fundamentals, discipline, teamwork, accountability, and student development. In his first season, Verdugo Hills posted an 11–8 overall record and 3–4 mark in league play during the 2023–24 season while capturing the LA City Division I Championship. Following the season, FitzGerald was named LA City Division I Coach of the Year.
The program continued its upward trajectory during the 2024-25 season, finishing 20-2-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 in league competition. FitzGerald sustained that success in 2025-26, leading the team to a 17-4 overall record and an undefeated 12-0 league mark.
FitzGerald's arrival marks an exciting step forward for Lees-McRae Flag Football as the program continues to grow. Under his leadership, the Bobcats will focus on recruiting and developing student-athletes of character who will positively impact the campus community and represent Lees-McRae with pride in competition, in the classroom, and beyond.
"I am honored and excited to join the Lees-McRae College family and lead the flag football program," said FitzGerald. "My goal is to build a program centered on teamwork, accountability, discipline, and relationships while helping young women grow both on and off the field. I look forward to recruiting student-athletes who embrace the values of the college, compete with passion, and represent Lees-McRae with pride."
FitzGerald will immediately begin leading recruiting efforts and preparing the Bobcats for the upcoming season as the program continues to build momentum and establish a strong foundation for long-term success.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on X (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
