Utah Falconz Athlete, Advocate, and Community Leader Honored for Turning Trauma into Purpose. Meet the 2026 WNFC Woman of the Year.

The Women’s National Football Conference is proud to name Sheri Kinder of the Utah Falconz the 2026 WNFC Woman of the Year.

The WNFC Woman of the Year Award recognizes an athlete who embodies leadership, service, and excellence, not only on the football field, but also in her community. The award celebrates a player whose impact reaches far beyond the game and who uses her voice, experiences, and platform to advance the WNFC’s mission of equity, empowerment, and opportunity.

Kinder represents the heart of that mission.

As a child, Kinder did not have the opportunity to participate in sports. She was forced to grow up far too quickly while surviving experiences no person should ever have to endure. Today, those experiences have become the driving force behind her work.

They are her “why.”

Kinder is a mother, college student, EMT, substance use disorder counselor, and Behavioral Health Technician. She is studying to become a licensed clinical social worker, building a career dedicated to becoming part of the solution for individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

Her passion for supporting first responders grew during her two years as a Behavioral Health Coordinator for Unified Fire Authority. Determined to gain an even deeper understanding of the challenges firefighters face, Kinder also spent a season working as a wildland firefighter. Her commitment to service continues through Trauma to Grace, a nonprofit organization she is working to establish. Through the organization, Kinder aims to help survivors of severe trauma develop self-regulation skills using evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches.

She serves on the Utah Falconz board, contributing her leadership to the continued development of her team and the women’s football community.

For Kinder, football represents more than competition. It has given her a community, a sisterhood, and another way to challenge herself mentally and physically. She plays because the game reminds her that she can do hard things, and because her journey can help other survivors recognize that their lives are not defined by what happened to them.

There is strength after survival. There is purpose after pain. There is more life to be lived.

Kinder’s courage, service, and commitment to creating lasting change represent everything the WNFC Woman of the Year Award was created to honor.

Sheri is more than an athlete. She is a trailblazer, a community leader, and an ambassador for the game and the values we stand for.

About the WNFC Woman of the Year Award

Established to recognize the extraordinary contributions of WNFC athletes beyond the field, the WNFC Woman of the Year Award honors women who lead with integrity, serve selflessly, and use their platforms to create meaningful change.

Each WNFC team has the opportunity to nominate a WNFC athlete from their organization who has made a significant positive impact in her community while advancing the league’s mission through service, advocacy, leadership, and engagement, and the recipient is honored during the IX Cup Championship Weekend Championship Breakfast & Awards show.

History of WNFC Woman of the Year Winners

2022: Barbriel Crudup | Las Vegas Silver Stars

2023: Stacey Kremer | Tennessee Trojans

2024: Shelia Sickau | Kansas City Glory

2025: Antoinette Van | Texas Elite Spartans

2026: Sheri Kinder | Utah Falconz