Last July, the St. Louis SLAM became the most-decorated team within the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) by claiming back-to-back national championships.
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
For the franchise that was launched in 2003, that accomplishment pushed the locals’ overall trophy total to six.
The SLAM’s opportunity to continue that trajectory occurs at home for Saturday’s season opener vs. long-time rival Minnesota Vixen.
The highly anticipated match-up has a 6 p.m. kickoff at Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton (1780 Hawkins Rd.) TICKETS ONLINE
“We are extremely excited to kick off the 2026 season,” exclaimed SLAM returning quarterback Jaime Gaal. “This year, our motto is ‘the standard remains.’”
St. Louis finished an undefeated campaign last season (9-0) by topping the DC Rivals in the league’s Pro Division finale, 26-14. The victory also extended the team’s undefeated streak to 18 games.
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
Gaal was unstoppable as the league’s premier gunslinger with 2,158 yards thrown and 32 touchdowns claimed.
The co-captain had plenty of targets to work with as receivers Kerri McMahan (9 TDs), Keyonna Smith (7 TDs), Aaryana Cook (4 TDs) and Amanda Richardson (3 TDs) had multiple red zone appearances while Sydney Bloch and Cat Daza assisted.
Rushing was propelled by Jada Humphrey’s nine end zone romps while Robin Cooksey and Patrice Fitzpatrick supplemented.
At the heart of the attack was a seasoned offensive line that has Antonnia Washington, Tamikka Brents, Pamela Green, Katelynn Hartman-Geier, Jennifer Perkins and many others returning to the fold this weekend.
On the other side of the ball, the SLAM defense held opponents to under a double-digit average (9 PPG) last summer. Returnees Tay Johnson, Raven Williams, Mary Altepeter, Ciara Morgan, Kaylee Neutzling, Jasmine Yandell, Kinnaudy Daniels are primed for another campaign.
Photo Credit: Gerald Affeldt
Even though the SLAM did lose many from last year’s championship roster, the success of the past two trophy hoists has resulted in one of the most robust crop of newcomers (over 25!) being fielded.
“Even though we had some vets retire, we still retained a large number, and it’s always good to have a big group of vets to welcome in a large rookie class,” said Gaal of the complexion. “I can’t wait to see the rookies get out there and have some fun.”
Saturday’s SLAM foe is familiar as Minnesota has been a constant in the WFA post-season complexion and is the primary barrier to another trophy game. St. Louis claimed the Pro American Conference title over the Vixen last July and seeks to play spoiler on opening night.
“The first game is always interesting, especially when it’s against your conference rivals.,” Gaal assessed. Even if you’re aware of anyone who retired or aware of new players, that still won’t tell the whole story. It’s a big game. Everyone will be hyped up – we just have to play our game and adjust when necessary.”
A large, vocal crowd is anticipated at Rockwood Summit come kickoff and don’t be surprised if noise makers are on the docket.
“I can’t wait to see all of our amazing SLAM fans,” said Gaal. “My mom’s bringing some cheering accessories to hand out – you guys know the drill: quit when we’re on offense and loud when we’re on defense!”
For more information on the team, visit their official website.
Litehouse Media will have a full recap of Saturday’s game posted Sunday afternoon.
Live coverage of the game can be seen online from LiveStreamSTL at THIS LINK.
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.
