The Minnesota Vixen are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and equality. We believe that the strength of our team comes from embracing the diversity of individuals, backgrounds, and experiences. We are dedicated to creating an environment where all people—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or socioeconomic background—are welcomed, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
We affirm the fundamental rights of every person to be treated with dignity and respect, and we strive to create a community where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered. The Minnesota Vixen stand against discrimination, harassment, and inequality in all forms, and we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and succeed.
We believe that diversity and inclusion are not just values to uphold but essential to the success of our team, both on and off the field. Together, we work to build a stronger, more unified community that celebrates the unique contributions each individual brings to the game of football and beyond.
The Minnesota Vixen welcome new talent this season, including five players from around the globe. Though their journey to the Vixen differs, these players share a common thread of resilience and passion. From overcoming cultural barriers and physical setbacks to sacrificing stability for the chance to play the game they love, their journeys are a testament to the growing reach of women’s football. Here’s a closer look at their journeys and what they hope to bring to the Vixen in 2025.
Johanna Vermoehlem – Running Back
A standout running back from Cologne, Germany, Johanna Vermoehlem has devoted herself to football for over a decade. Johanna found the sport by playing 5-on-5 football in her hometown in Germany as a linebacker. As she transitioned in 2019 to 11-on-11 football in Cologne, Johanna found herself on the other side of the ball as a running back. Through hard work and extra training, she was named to the German National Team in 2023, marking a turning point in her playing career.
“This sport has taught me so much about persistence and passion,” Johanna shared. Inspired by Vixen teammate Hannah Eckhardt, Johanna decided to take a leap of faith and follow her dream of playing football in the United States. Despite the challenges of leaving her previous job and navigating the logistics, Johanna is set to continue her journey with the Vixen.
This will be Johanna’s second season with the Vixen. When Johanna isn’t focused on football, she lifts weights, rides horseback, and practices yoga. As she prepares year two with the Vixen, Johanna is eager to bring the same energy and dedication she developed in Cologne. Johanna’s goal for the season is clear: help the Vixen chase a championship while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Michaela Ďurišková – Kicker, Defensive Back
Originally from Slovakia, Michaela Ďurišková discovered football after a simple suggestion from friends. Her curiosity blossomed into a deep passion for the game, ultimately landing her in Minnesota to help the Vixen chase a championship in 2025.
As someone with a background in sports like soccer and tennis, Michaela used football to elevate her physical and mental strength. “Football gave me so much that I decided it would be my priority,” Michaela said. That prioritization paid off when she met Vixen owners Laura and James Brown at last year’s WFA Europe Combine in the Netherlands. Michaela says she is “honored to be a part of one of the best women’s teams in the world.”
Michaela’s dedication to greatness is apparent in her off-season work. She has created and executed her own strength and conditioning program, and every day is a step toward improving from last year. Michaela shared that this is the most off-season training she’s ever done, reflecting the dedication she will bring this year with the Vixen.
Rae Jefferson
Rae Jefferson’s journey to the Vixen has been marked by perseverance and overcoming obstacles. She is a Texas native who has spent the last four years in Italy. While growing up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Jefferson discovered football playing monkey-in-the-middle in her neighborhood. Dreaming of playing with a helmet and pads sometimes felt out of reach for Rae as a girl. Nevertheless, years later, that dream came full circle when she played in her first tackle football game at the WFA Europe Combine.
Rae’s last four years in Italy were full of challenges. Simply finding the opportunity to play tackle football was difficult, but she played flag football locally. On top of that, Rae faced physical challenges. She underwent heart surgery in 2020 to replace her aortic valve. These hardships never allowed her determination to waver, saying, “That experience motivated me to drive an hour and a half to practice with the Italian teams.” Rae’s hardships have only shaped her resilience and prepared her for what’s ahead this upcoming season.
Now, with the Vixen, Rae is ready to contribute wherever she is needed – whether it be offense, defense, or special teams – and is focused on making an impact. Fans should know that Rae is bringing a burning passion that will quickly become evident by her teammates. “As a person, I’m just a kid having fun. I have been through a lot in my life, and I’m done wasting my time not following my passions. So, supporting others in their passions is something I love to do outside of football.”
Hannah Eckhardt
In the suburbs of Köln, Germany, about two hours west of Frankfurt, soccer trumps all other sports. As a lifelong athlete playing soccer and handball, Hannah Eckhardt was drawn to a different kind of football. Hannah’s wife, Judith, was playing football when they met in 2013, and she soon followed her wife into football when she joined a local rookie team in Köln in 2015, starting a new chapter in her life.
After joining in 2015, Hannah began to excel in the German Bundesliga leagues. It has been a journey up for her ever since. Like the NCAA, Hannah started playing at the D2 level, ultimately climbing to the D1 level for one season in 2019. However, Hannah’s frustrations with the German Football Federation and their lack of support for growth in Women’s athletics eventually pushed her to make a critical decision. Either quit or find opportunities to play beyond Germany. Hannah chose to climb the ladder, which has ultimately found her today with the Vixen.
To the Vixen, Hannah is not just a player; they’re also getting a leader. She aims to help the Vixen win the title, retire on top, and transition into coaching to continue growing the game she loves. But in the meantime, Hannah is fully embracing the change of joining a new team and moving to a new country, showing once again that stepping out of her comfort zone is where she thrives the most.
Britt Hennings
Britt Henning began her journey to the Vixen in 2011 when she joined the Braunschweig Lady Lions in Northern Germany. As a new member of the city and community, Britt was looking for a new sport or hobby and stumbled upon the Lady Lions through her University’s website. With no prior knowledge of football and its rules, she went to the first practice out of pure curiosity – now, nearly 14 years later, she is playing professionally in the States.
As Britt’s passion for football grew in Germany, she started to float around different teams, such as the Cologne Falconets, where she played with Vixen’s Johanna Vermoehlem and Hannah Eckhardt. Like other Vixen international players, Britt discovered the Vixen at the WFA Europe Combine. The Vixen’s competition level and structure helped convince Britt to move to the U.S. Britt shared, “In Germany, you can be happy if there are 20 people at practice to show up for most teams”—a stark contrast to her new Vixen roster of over 70 players.
Britt’s aspirations for this season are to take in as much as possible with her new environment and new teammates as they compete for a championship. Aside from football, Britt has played rugby and practices jiu-jitsu. While in Minnesota, Britt will stay with the family of her brother’s neighbor near Bremen, Germany– adding a unique layer to her new journey this year with the Vixen.
As the Vixen gear up to embark on their 2025 season, fans can look forward to seeing this new wave of talent hit the gridiron and help push the team closer to another championship in 2025.
Over 60+ female athletes. 27 seasons. 4 conference titles, and 5 division titles.
The Minnesota Vixen have come a long way since the “No Limits Barnstorming Tour,” a tour that saw the Vixen traveling the country alongside the Lake Michigan Minx followed by stints in 3 women’s football leagues before joining the Women’s Football Alliance in 2017.
Although they have yet to win a WFA championship, the Vixen still has multiple conference and division titles under their belt. This season will be their 27th season as an organization and their 6th in the WFA.
It takes a lot of practice and dedication in order for the team to be successful, and players do just that while also maintaining full-time jobs and other life commitments outside of football.
“[The Vixen] is another family,” veteran defensive back Caitlin Hill said. “We face a lot of adversity, whether that’s financially, travel adversity [like] cars breaking down. You grow together as teammates, coaches, staff because it’s like you get to face that adversity and challenge together.”
Among one of Hill’s favorite memories of being a player for the Vixen is meeting her partner, linebacker Ace Theissen, through playing on the team together. For Hill, making connections with her teammates was really valuable.
“Obviously, we’re not getting paid the big bucks to play the sport, so you get to learn about a lot of different people and backgrounds and how they found the sport,” Hill said.
Longtime fans of the Vixen know their journey being a prominent face in the history of women’s football, but if you’re just starting out, there’s a lot you probably need to catch up on.
Women’s tackle football in the Twin Cities started as a way to put more investment into women’s sports, and with the sport being popular in the 1970s, they wanted to see if they could recreate that success, according to Vixen OL coach Michele Braun, who has been with the team from its early beginnings.
“We had almost 400 women trying out for 80 spots [on the team],” Braun said. “It was shocking to a lot of people in general to see women being physically capable to play a sport that was dominated by men and that they can play it very well.”
Braun’s favorite part about coaching women’s football is the opportunities that the sport has given to women.
“We have called so many courageous women in our organization over the years who have said ‘you know what, I want to try that, I want to do it,’” Braun said. “We’ll go out and do girls’ football clinics or other community outreach, and it’s been so fun to see the eyes of these little girls get big. Some of them are grade school age or pre-teens and they go ‘oh my god, I caught that.’”
Being a part of the Minnesota Vixen means defying traditional stereotypes around football by teaching women and girls that football is for everyone.
“It’s been fun breaking these gender roles down and really changing people’s perspectives and perceptions and say ‘you know what, it’s okay, you can do that,’” Braun said.
You probably have questions about the team. We have answers. Let’s dive into them:
When does the season start?
The 2025 WFA season is scheduled to begin April 26, with the championship game scheduled in July.
How many players are currently on the Vixen roster?
There are 72 players on the roster this year. Out of the 72 players, 19 are rookies and 5 are international players.
How did these athletes end up at the Vixen?
Through an open tryout process, many Vixen athletes come from multiple walks of life – some have families, while others have served in the military, worked at other places, and came from other countries. Most players come from a variety of different sports backgrounds, such as rugby, crossfit, softball, hockey, basketball, soccer and flag football.
What do the Vixen do outside of football?
Many Vixen players hold full-time jobs, have families of their own, and have other life commitments outside of training. The organization hosts many camps and clinics in the community for girls and women who are interested in playing football and have collaborated with healthcare providers in the past.
Is this a flag football team?
No. The Minnesota Vixen is a tackle football team that is part of the Women’s Football Alliance, a women’s tackle football league. The Vixen follows NCAA football rules, which consist of the traditional 11-on-11 tackle football-style format.
Where do the Vixen play?
The Vixen play in many stadiums across the Twin Cities area, ranging from local high school fields to sports complexes. Their home stadium changes every year and is announced before the start of the season.
How can people watch Vixen games?
Fans can purchase tickets to all matchups online through the Vixen website. Vixen games are also streamed live on various platforms, check out the streaming page for more information on how to watch.
The 2025 tryouts for the Minnesota Vixen were nothing short of monumental, with over 170 athletes registering to showcase their skills and compete for a coveted spot on the roster. Of those, 127 athletes completed the full tryout process, which included rigorous combine activities like the 40-yard dash, bench press, and agility drills, along with evaluative football skills such as receiving, running back cuts, and offensive line blocking. The intense and competitive environment pushed each athlete to their limits, creating a dynamic showcase of talent and dedication.
“It was incredible to see such a wide range of talent on display,” said owner Laura Brown. “The growing interest in women’s tackle football is truly inspiring, and it’s a testament to the sport’s bright future.” This year’s tryouts drew athletes from diverse sports backgrounds, including flag football, rugby, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and track, highlighting their adaptability and athleticism. The roster for 2025 is a testament to this talent pool, with 48 returning veterans, 19 rookies, and five international players earning their spots after a rigorous evaluation process. The event not only underscored the rising enthusiasm for women’s tackle football but also showcased the Minnesota Vixen’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive future for the sport.
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.
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.
