History in the Making: WNFC Launches First-Ever Pro Women’s Tackle Football Combine in Miami

WNFC
Oct 1
4 min read

MIAMI, FL — The Women’s National Football Conference officially raised the bar this past weekend with the launch of its first-ever WNFC Pro Women’s Tackle Football Combine in Miami, Florida. What unfolded was a groundbreaking, high-energy showcase that set the tone for the future of professional women’s football.

The combine brought together 61 athletes, 31 team representatives, and 7 elite combine coaches, creating a first-of-its-kind stage for the league’s brightest stars and next-generation talent to compete, connect, and be evaluated at the highest level.

Saturday: Branding, Sisterhood, and Miami Vibes

The weekend kicked off on Saturday, September 27, as players and team reps checked into the host hotel. The day began with branding and social media sessions, emphasizing the WNFC’s commitment to helping athletes grow not only on the field but also as public figures and professionals.

The night ended in true Miami fashion. NFL All-Pro running back and hometown hero Devonta Freeman, who served as the official Combine Host, welcomed athletes and teams to The Red Rooster Overtown. With music, food, and an electric atmosphere, it set the perfect stage for the competitive fire to come.

Sunday Morning: The Business of Football

Day two opened with a sense of urgency. WNFC teams set up interview rooms and met face-to-face with free agents from across the country. Some teams, including the San Diego Rebellion, Tennessee Trojans, Texas Elite Spartans, and Utah Falconz, maxed out their interview slots, meeting with eight or more athletes each.

Among the headline free agents were All-Pro LB Darcy Leslie and Kylee O’Connor-Harrel, who drew heavy interest. Others, like defensive standout Paulina Lopez and dynamic RB Kris Grimes, stunned many by opting out of interviews, leaving their next moves a mystery heading into the 2026 season.

With head coaches, GMs, coordinators, and owners from nearly every corner of the league in attendance, from the Atlanta Truth to the Golden State Storm it was clear: this was a pivotal step toward building WNFC rosters of the future.

On-Field Showcase: Skills, Speed, and Swagger

By late morning, the athletes strapped on cleats and hit the turf for what became an unforgettable showcase. The combine featured elite coaching led by:

J Hicks (3Hunnidfitness) – RBs/LBs
Craig LeBlanc (2LIVECraig) – QBs
Margin Hooks (Skyisthelimit) – WRs
Jacory Nichols (1way) – DB
James Everette, Jr (_routegod) – WR
Nikolai Bujnowski (abovealloffensiveline) – O-Line
Jared St. John (passrushperfection) – D-Line

The energy soared as athletes ran through warmups, position drills, and the 5-10-5 shuttle test. Standout times included:

WR Lexie Floor – 4.63
RB Ingrid Cleveland – 4.84
LB Brittani Lusain – 4.62
DL Whitney Palmer – 5.03
DB Kylee O’Connor-Harrel – blazing 4.38

From individual reps to group drills, team scouts leaned over clipboards, shouting feedback and whispering evaluations. The atmosphere felt as professional and competitive as any football combine in the world. The Showdown: Miles vs. Somerville

One of the weekend’s signature moments came during the one-on-ones, when two of the league’s record-breakers squared off head-to-head.

Myla Somerville — the WNFC’s Shut Down DB of the Year, who led the league in interceptions.
Dajour Miles — Rookie of the Year, who led the league in points scored, receptions, and touchdown catches.

When the two lined up across from each other, every eye on the field locked in. And the matchup didn’t disappoint. Somerville’s aggressive coverage met Miles’ crisp routes and sure hands in a back-and-forth duel that had teammates, coaches, and scouts buzzing. It was the kind of clash that embodied everything the combine represented: elite talent meeting elite competition on the biggest stage yet.

Just as intensity peaked, rain poured down, but the athletes refused to slow. If anything, the storm seemed to elevate the urgency. Position coaches rolled out advanced evaluation drills, while players dove, sprinted, and pushed harder through the slick turf.

The combine closed with more one-on-one matchups. Quarterbacks Michelle Angel (Texas Elite Spartans), Ashley Clark (Washington Prodigy), and Sarah Teubner (WNFC MVP) showcased their arms, threading passes under pressure. On the outside, receivers and defensive backs squared off in highlight-worthy battles, while linemen clashed in the trenches, delivering a raw display of power and technique. As the sun set and the crowd began to disperse, Devonta Freeman addressed the group with words of encouragement. WNFC Commissioner Janice Masters stood alongside him, reminding athletes and teams of what this weekend represented: a new chapter for women’s professional football.

What’s Next

With rosters still in flux and free agency heating up, the impact of the Miami Combine will ripple across the league for months to come. From surprise interviews to breakout performances, the WNFC’s first Pro Women’s Tackle Football Combine was a landmark moment in sports history.

Next up is WNFC National Tryout Day on October 18, when all 16 teams across the country open their doors to new talent. That’s when fans will start to see where these free agents land and how the Miami Combine performances translate into roster spots.