Long lines at food trucks to purchase pronto pups and other deep fried foods. Booths that provide artistic activities for children and others that sell Minnesota themed merchandise.
One might think I'm describing the state fair, which, as always, is right around the corner. But I’m actually describing the Minnesota Vixen football team's Pride celebration Saturday. Not to be confused with their opponent that evening, the Nebraska Pride, who's mascot is a lion.
For those who haven’t heard of the Minnesota Vixen, they are a women’s professional football team that has existed since 1999, currently playing in the WFA (Women’s Football Alliance) - at the league’s highest level, the Pro Division, since 2021. The term “professional” is a bit misleading though. Unlike many professional sports athletes, these players don’t get paid. According to the team’s public address announcer, Brian Sweeney, not only are they unpaid, each player must pay a fee and cover their own travel. They play for the love of the game.
The Vixen, wearing their alternate "Pride" jerseys to commemorate the first weekend in June and LGBTQ rights, dispatched the Nebraska Pride (football team) 34-0 at Kuhlman field in Edina Saturday. It was the final regular season home game for the Vixen who now sit at 4-1 and in 2nd place in the WFA American Division standings.
The Vixen defense was the story of this game, not only pitching a shutout but also holding Nebraska to 2 first downs in the opening half, and 98 total yards offense for the entire game. Sam Barber led the Vixen defense with 11 tackles. Kaylee Damison and C.J. Doby each had drive killing sacks in the 3rd quarter making the night even more difficult for Nebraska.
The Vixen offense uncharacteristically struggled at times, with false starts and holding penalties. Three of those penalties came on the second drive of the game, which left the offense facing 2nd and 30 from midfield, rather than in the red zone on the verge of a second touchdown. Asked about the team’s atypical performance, offensive line coach Michele Braun said that Nebraska had them “out of sorts”, using different formations that they hadn’t seen before.
The offense was led by the sure arm of Erin “E.K.” Kelley who was 25-37 for 281 yards and 3 TD’s. The longest of those was a 53 yard strike to Jackie Radford in the final minutes of the game. Radford led the team in receiving, catching 14 passes for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back, Johanna Vermohlen added 58 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The Vixen head to St. Louis to play the Slam next weekend for the final game of the regular season. The Slam have defeated the Vixen in their last 4 meetings, although the last game (earlier this season) was by the slimmest of margins, 41-40 and handing the Vixen their only loss. The way it’s shaping up, the Vixen will host a home playoff game in the next few weeks. If they win that game, it could set up yet another matchup with the Slam, again in St. Louis, for the conference championship. The winner of the conference championship will advance to the WFA national championship game in Canton, Ohio on July 27. That game will be televised on ESPN 2.
In a world where gender equality and the empowerment of women are becoming increasingly important, our upcoming Virtual 5K event takes center stage as a beacon of change and progress. As we gear up to support the incredible Minnesota Vixen players, our mission goes beyond a simple run; it's about supporting female athletes, breaking barriers, and making a tangible impact on their journey. The 5K isn't just a race; it's a celebration of the strength, determination, and resilience that female athletes exemplify every day. Join us in this exhilarating event, and together, let's champion the cause of women in sports and work toward a more equitable future.
🏃♀️ Run, jog, or walk on your terms - anytime, anywhere. It's a flexible, virtual event designed to accommodate your busy schedule.
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In a thrilling matchup at the WFA International Costa Rican Bowl, Team United clashed with the Costa Rican Team, showcasing the prowess of WFA players from all over the nation. Among the standout representatives of the Minnesota Vixen were Laura Brown, the team's owner and GM, who served as the Linebacker coach, and Krista Murakami, as a Defensive Back. But that wasn't all; Team United had another ace up their sleeve in the form of Hannah Eckhardt, who excelled as a Defensive Back and Kicker.
The stage was set, and the anticipation was palpable as Team United aimed to continue its unbeaten streak. With a record of 5-0 and a reputation for not allowing a single touchdown, the team had its sights firmly set on victory. The Costa Rican Team, fueled by their home crowd's passionate support, was determined to put an end to the undefeated run.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Team United was not just a collection of talented individuals but a well-coached, disciplined unit. Team United's coaching staff instilled a sense of unity and purpose in the team, and it showed on the field. The defense held strong, and the offense executed with precision.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 22-0 in favor of Team United. The unbeaten streak had been extended to 6-0, and they had still not allowed a touchdown. Team United had not only represented their team but had showcased the talent and determination of women's football players from all corners of the nation. Furthermore, they made international connections supporting the female players in Costa Rica. Seeing the pride and joy on the Costan Rican players along with their dedication and passion for the sport made the trip worthwhile Brown stated.
Looking ahead, Team United's next challenge awaited them at the Coffee Bowl 2 in Bogota, Colombia, scheduled for February 17, 2024. The team was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, fortified by their unwavering spirit and commitment to the game they love.
After a tough loss to the St. Louis Slam in their season opener, the Minnesota Vixen are eager to get back on the field and prove themselves against the Nebraska Pride this Saturday. Despite the scoreline, the Vixen showed flashes of brilliance in their first game, with standout performances from Sarah Rosche and Chelsy Swanson on offense and defense, respectively.
Although the Vixen struggled to find the end zone in their last game, they were able to move the ball effectively, racking up over 100 total yards and five first downs. With another week of practice under their belts, the Vixen offense will look to capitalize on their opportunities and put points on the board.
Defensively, the Vixen was strong against the Slam, allowing just 20 points and forcing two turnovers led by Swanson, Samantha Barber, and Allie Dockendorf. The Vixen defense will aim to stifle the Pride's offense and create more turnovers tomorrow.
While the Vixen may have a tough task ahead of them against a talented Pride team, they have the talent and drive to come out on top. With the support of their fans behind them, the Vixen will look to earn their first win of the season and build momentum for the rest of the year.
For eight years, Krista Murakami has been part of the Vixen defense, playing defensive back, and a leader on special teams. This month, she traveled with Team United of WFA International to Bogota, Colombia as part of an international football camp and the first ever Coffee Bowl.
The football camp brought together WFA International’s Team United players and Colombian players for drills and training. This provided a unique opportunity for Murakami to interact with and learn from players from different countries while also honing her skills as a player. On game day the teams were a mix of WFA players and Colombian players, with Lisa King and Jeff King coaching each team, respectively. The inclusion of Colombian coaches adds to the diversity of the coaching staff and enhanced the overall learning experience for all players involved.
This trip to Colombia is especially significant as the country is just getting its league started. Murakami was able to witness and be a part of the growth and development of women's football in Colombia, which is an exciting opportunity for her. Throughout her eight years with the Vixen, Murakami has proven to be a dedicated and talented player. On special teams, she plays a crucial role and has helped the Vixen achieve numerous victories over the years, including back-to-back appearances in the WFA National Championship in 2021 and 2022.
Murakami isn’t the first Vixen player selected to Team United to play internationally. Just this last fall, Vixen players Sam Barber, Charlie Barba-Cook, and Erin Kelley, along with Laura Brown, owner and President of the Vixen, traveled to Mexico with WFA International for a series of games with LIFFAE (Mexico). Brown served as Team United's Assistant Defensive Coordinator and states, “It is thrilling to see the league grow and expand, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to coach and learn from players from all over the world.”
The WFA International events are a testament to the opportunities and experiences that come with being a part of the Vixen and the WFA. It allows players to not only play the sport they love but also to connect with a community of like-minded individuals from around the world. Those interested in learning more about WFA International and the upcoming events can visit wfaprofootball.com/wfa-international for additional information.
Sheena Reed, a former standout defensive line player for the Minnesota Vixen, has added another impressive accomplishment to her football resume this off-season; gold medal winner.
Reed has been a key contributor to the Vixen's success over the past few seasons and her selection to the national team is a testament to her skill and hard work. Reed’s selection to the national team is a huge achievement and a proud moment for the Minnesota Vixen organization. The team and its fans are thrilled to see one of their own represent the United States on the international stage. It is also a great opportunity for the Women's Football Alliance as a whole to show the world the high level of talent and skill that exists in the league.
The tournament is held every four years featuring teams from all over the world. Reed's performance throughout the tournament was outstanding. She was a consistent threat on the field, making big plays when her team needed them the most. Reed and her teammates battled through a tough schedule, facing some of the best teams in the world. But with her leadership and on-field production, Team USA was able to come out on top, winning the gold medal.
Reed's hard work and dedication on the field have not gone unnoticed, as she has now transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of defensive line coach for the Minnesota Minx. The Minx are a second-year developmental team in the WFA and partner with the Vixen. Her experience and success as a player at the WFA Pro level, will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the Minx coaching staff and will provide valuable guidance to the team's defensive line players.
As a coach, Reed brings her wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport to the Minx. Her ability to inspire and motivate her players, combined with her technical expertise, will be a valuable asset to the team. The Minx can expect to see a noticeable improvement in their defensive line play under Reed's leadership.
Sheena Reed's gold medal win with Team USA and her role as a coach is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the sport of American Football. She is a true leader and an inspiration to many young athletes, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. The Minnesota Vixen team and fans will continue to support her on and off the field as she continues to make a positive impact in the world of football.
For the Vixen, the championship game will be a revenge game after the Boston Renegades beat Minnesota for the league title last season.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota's top women's football team is heading to the national championship game, which will be nationally televised by ESPN from Canton, Ohio on Sunday, July 10.
The Women’s Football Alliance PRO National Championship between the Minnesota Vixen (6-2) and the Boston Renegades (8-0) will be televised on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. CT.
The Vixen ended the season undefeated at home and won the WFA American Conference Championship on June 25 after beating Cali War 36-30.
Last year in the championship game, the Renegades beat the Vixen 42-26. This is the team's first time going to the championship in back-to-back seasons.
Saturday's national championship game will be a heavyweight bout, with both the Vixen and Renegades leading the league in multiple key categories on offense and defense. The Minnesota Vixen, much like the Vikings, are seeking their first league championship and the Renegades are looking to continuing to make Boston Titletown.
On offense, Boston leads the WFA in total team offense with an average of 447.7 yards per game. However, the Vixen isn't far behind at sixth with 352.5 yards per game. For scoring, Boston and Minnesota are closely matched. The Renegades lead the league with 53.3 points per game, while the Vixen ranks third with 38.5 points per game.
The Vixen's offense is led by quarterback Erin Kelley, who leads the league in passing with 1,033 yards and sits third in passing touchdowns with 12, averaging 172.2 passing yards per game. Kelley was one of two quarterbacks to pass for more than 1,000 yards in the WFA this season and was one of the eight Vixen players named to the league's 2022 All-American team.
Boston's quarterback, Allison Cahill, wasn't far behind in passing yards with 974, which ranked third in the league. Cahill also leads the league in passing touchdowns with 15.
On the defensive side of the ball, both the Renegades and Vixen will feature some of the league's top players. Boston's Shantia Creech leads the league in interceptions with four, who is followed by Minnesota's Ace Theissen, who had three. In the trenches, the Vixen's defensive end Samantha Barber is tied for first in the league for most sacks with five. Both Barber and Theissen were named 2022 All-Americans.
At the helm of the Vixen's coaching staff is Ryan McCauley, who was recently named the WFA Coach of the Year. He also teaches health classes in the Edina School District.
The Vixen isn't the only WFA team in the Land of 10,000 Lakes - the Minnesota Minx play at the WFA developmental level. Across the league's four levels - PRO, Division I, Division II and Developmental - there are 67 teams, stretching coast to coast with teams playing in places from Seattle to New Hampshire.
Back in 1999, the team originally started as part of a nationwide tour for women's football, which then led to the Women's Professional Football League. The Vixen called the WPFL home until they called the National Women's Football Association home for a single season before heading over to the Independent Women's Football League after the 2008 season. The Vixen stayed in the IWFL until 2017 when they joined the Women's Football Alliance.
Regardless of which women's football league they call home, the Vixen have continued their winning ways, securing four conference championships across two different leagues since 2016.
On Saturday, the Vixen will be chasing their first WFA PRO championship and the Renegades will be seeking their fourth league title. After losing in the title game in 2017, Boston won the championship in 2018, 2019 and 2021. The 2020 WFA season was canceled due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the Minnesota Aurora FC playoff-bound and the Minnesota Lynx starting to turn their season around, the Vixen may be the first Twin Cities women's team to bring home a championship this year.
Ryan McCauley of the Minnesota Vixen was named the Women's Football Alliance Coach of the Year. He is a health and physical education teacher for the Edina Public Schools.
His team will play the Boston Renegades (8-0), the three-time defending champions, in the WFA Pro Division championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 10, in Canton, Ohio (ESPN2).
The Vixen (6-2), who lost to the Renegades 42-26 in the title game a year ago, defeated the Cali War 36-30 on June 25 for the American Conference championship.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vixen are heading to the Women’s Football Alliance PRO National Championship game in Canton Ohio. They will face the Boston Renegades for the second straight year.
The Vixen not only seek revenge on the Renegades who defeated them for the title, they’re looking to make franchise history with their first-ever National Championship victory.
This is called a PRO level game – but the women do not get paid – actually they pay dues to play. So the women are determined and dedicated, putting their own money on the line to play the game they love.
The Vixen not only head to Canton hungry for a win, they come in with experience and momentum after beating the Cali War Saturday at Kulhman Field in Edina to advance capturing their second straight American Conference Championship.
The National Championship will be televised for the first time in league history on ESPN2 Sunday, July 10 at 1 p.m. central. FOX 9’s Dawn Mitchell has the story.
Norman Seawright III visits with the Minnesota Vixen. The women's football team is working to make it to a national championship. Click to wacth. Jun 24, 2022
