Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
After claiming their fifth national championship last summer, the St. Louis SLAM women’s tackle football franchise launches their quest of a repeat this weekend.
The defending champs of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) Pro Division host Dallas Elite Mustangs Saturday at Affton High School (8309 MacKenzie Rd.)
Kickoff is at 7 pm. General admission tickets are $15 while children under 10 are free.
Last July, the SLAM claimed their fifth WFA trophy by finishing the season undefeated (9-0) by knocking off five-time champion Boston Renegades, 30-27, at Tom Benson Field at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
St. Louis’ victory against the WFA’s most-decorated team was arguably their most majestic performance since their 2003 foundation.
Their long, patient wait to renew that spark cumulates with Saturday night’s turf tussle.
“We’re ready to play,” anticipates SLAM quarterback Jaime Gaal. “The vets are always anxious to play a game once practice starts. And as for the rookies, I think they are excited and ready to get their feet wet.”
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
St. Louis competes in the eight-team WFA Pro American Division and four of their six-game regular season schedule, starting with the home opener versus Dallas, will be against divisional foes.
The SLAM is fully-aware of the expectations of the new campaign that contains lofty goals.
“I think, as the best team, there’s a target on our back,” said Gaal. “We’re the team that everyone is looking to beat. Luckily, we’ve always had a very high standard for ourselves and how we perform. Every year we set our own goals as a team and make sure we focus on accomplishing those.”
Gaal finished last season’s title trek with 29 touchdowns thrown overall, with primary targets being wide receivers Kerri McMahan (14 TDs) and rookie Sydney Bloch (8 TDs). Both sets of sure hands are projected to be difference makers Saturday.
The ground game in the backfield is paced by Jada Humphrey, who collected 12 all-purpose touchdowns last season while up-and-comers Patrice Fitzpatrick and Christy Burkett also claimed end zone romps. Longtime SLAM veteran Taylor Hay, possessor of five rings, is back into the full-time mix this season after spending much of 2024 injured.
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
The heart of the SLAM offense is a stellar line, paced by returnees Tamikka Brents, Antonnia Washington, Pamela Green, Marion Ball, Caitlin Erickson and others.
On the defensive side, it’s pretty much familiar faces as SLAM mainstays Keyonna Smith, Raven Williams, Tay Johnson, Kinnaudy Daniels, Mary Altepeter, Myah LeFlore, Stephanie Moore, Brooklyn Devitt, Ciara Morgan, Jasmine Yandell, Kaylee Neutzling and others are primed for another season of lockdown performances.
Last July’s success resulted in a lot of newfound awareness and incoming players. After a series of pre-season tryouts, the SLAM added double-digits to their 2025 roster, which now tops over 40-deep.
Many of those newcomers will see their first snaps Saturday and high anticipation is expected.
“They are doing great,” assessed Gaal of the rookies. “We’ve added some very strong and fearless women to the team. I can’t wait to see them in action!”
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
The SLAM’s opening adversary, Dallas Elite Mustangs, finished last season 2-4, which included a 49-6 setback in June against the locals. It’s tough to predict what they will bring to the table Saturday, but Gaal expects them to be game.
“From what I can remember last year (is that) they played hard, made some good plays, talked a little trash,” reflected the quarterback. “It should be fun!”
This weekend’s contest will be first of three regular season home games for the squad. Even with the late-minute change of venue, the SLAM would appreciate your support as they attempt to set a new benchmark in the WFA with a sixth “’ship.”
“We are SO excited to see all of our amazing fans this Saturday!” said Gaal. “We apologize for the late notice on the field change, but I’m sure they’ll still show up and show out!”
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
Season tickets are still available at the team’s official website. LINK
Free online coverage of the game can be seen on LiveStream STL.
Our author’s tenth year of coverage of the SLAM will have a full game recap posted Sunday.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Litehouse Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews. Finally, he prefers Diet Ski over coffee.
