WNFC Taps Top Broadcast Talent and Introduces Replay Review & Coaches’ Challenge for Historic IX Cup Championship Game on ESPN2

When the WNFC IX Cup Championship kicks off live on ESPN2 from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on June 21, it won’t just be two powerhouse teams taking center stage, a high-caliber broadcast team is set to elevate the moment to one of the most polished and professional productions in the history of women’s football.

Kyle Youmans, Emmy Award winning host and reporter for the Dallas Cowboys, and Maria Trivelpiece, the dynamic voice of the American Athletic Conference, have been selected as the lead commentators for the nationally televised showdown between the Texas Elite Spartans and the Washington Prodigy.

Together, Youmans and Trivelpiece represent a rare pairing of seasoned NFL media experience and rising star energy, a combination befitting a championship that aims to set a new standard for what women’s football can look and sound like on the national stage.

“Everything about this game is built for prime time,” said WNFC Founder and Chairwoman Odessa Jenkins. “From the talent on the field to the talent behind the mic, we’re ready to deliver a broadcast that rivals any in professional football.”

Meet the Voices of the IX Cup

Kyle Youmans knows what it means to tell stories on football’s biggest stages. Now entering his seventh season with the Cowboys, Youmans has been the face of the franchise’s NFL Draft coverage. His background includes national radio and TV play-by-play, and his voice has become synonymous with Dallas football. A native of Waco and resident of Little Elm, Youmans brings both professional polish and local pride to the call.

His broadcast partner, Maria Trivelpiece, brings a refreshing perspective rooted in lived experience as a former Division I athlete. As the Director of Video Communications for the American Athletic Conference, Trivelpiece hosts weekly shows, covers conference championships, and serves as a game-day voice across multiple sports. The Fordham softball alum and four-time A-10 champion also holds a master’s in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse. She’s carved out a reputation as one of the most versatile young broadcasters in college sports, and now brings her talents to the professional tackle football stage.

Replay Review and Officiating Insight: A First for Women’s Pro Football

In a historic move, the WNFC will implement an in-game Replay Review and Head Coach Challenge System for the IX Cup Championship Game. This marks the first time such a system will be used in a pro women’s tackle football championship.

Leading the way is Des Abrams, WNFC’s Head of Officiating and an active NFL Replay Assistant, who will serve as the designated Replay Official. Abrams will oversee all in-booth decisions, including both coach-initiated challenges and automatic booth reviews. Final outcomes will be communicated directly to on-field officials via a Sideline Replay Assistant, ensuring transparency and real-time clarity for teams, fans, and viewers alike.

Additionally, Abrams will provide in-broadcast officiating commentary to explain complex or controversial calls, giving fans a unique look into the game’s most critical moments. With over two decades of experience officiating national and international football, Abrams is one of the most respected voices in the field and brings unmatched credibility to this new broadcast feature.

A New Era for Women’s Football

The IX Cup broadcast is a moment of arrival for a league that has broken barriers since its inception. With a a star-studded halftime performance by Bow Wow, and a national title on the line between two of the league’s most decorated teams, the broadcast will be a showcase of the best that the sport has to offer.

Tune in Saturday, June 21 at 3 PM ET / 2 PM CT on ESPN2 to witness history.

For tickets and event info, visit: www.wnfcfootball.com/2025-ix-cup