The Panthers' women's ice hockey program began in the 1970s with club play before becoming a varsity sport in 1981. Since then, the program has developed a rich tradition of excellence and has been a mainstay on the national stage. The Panthers have played 1,019 games, winning an impressive 740 of those contests. 

Middlebury claimed six-straight ECAC Division III Championships beginning in 1996, followed by winning the 2000 and 2001 AWCHA National Championships. This sparked an impressive run for the Panthers, as the women's ice hockey program hoisted the NCAA trophy in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The squad has advanced to the national semifinals six times since the triple crown. Throughout the last several decades, the Panthers have claimed a league-leading 12 NESCAC Championships, including three straight in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

In 2022, Middlebury became the first women's ice hockey program to finish with an undefeated season, hoisting the NCAA Trophy in Chip Kenyon '85 Arena with a 27-0-0 mark.

The program boasts 46 All-Americans, 75 All-NESCAC selections and four national players of the year. Seven Panthers have been selected for the Middlebury Athletics Hall of Fame, including inaugural head coach Duke Nelson and coach Mike Karin.

Bill Mandigo has been at the helm of the program for 37 of the 50 years and is the winningest coach in women's ice hockey across all three divisions with 681 victories. 

Middlebury Athletics is proud to celebrate the 50th year of women's ice hockey.

The program will celebrate the history of women's ice hockey throughout the 2025-26 season.