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. 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 1988–89 season, and is the winningest coach in women's ice hockey across all three divisions with 681 victories at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. == Season-by-season results ==