In the city of St. Louis, where the Mississippi River carves its grand course, a group of warriors clad in football gear write a new chapter in the annals of women’s sports. This is the home of the St. Louis SLAM, a dominant force in the WFA Pro National Division, currently standing with an impeccable 3-0 record.
On a fateful Saturday night, April 12, 2003, a crowd close to 1,000 spectators bore witness to a revolution in women’s tackle football. Under the leadership of owner and then head coach Nancy Simonds – the first female head coach in NWFA history – St. Louis’s first women’s full-contact football team took the field against the Kansas City Krunch. Though the SLAM lost that inaugural game in overtime, they demonstrated a resilience and spirit that would define their story for years to come.
In the face of seasoned powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Lightning and the Nashville Dream, the SLAM forged a path, proving that resilience and determination can eclipse even the most formidable opposition. Despite a challenging inaugural season, the only losing season in the team’s history to date, the SLAM rose from the ashes to improve its record in the following years.
By 2006, the team was ready for a breakthrough, setting its eyes on the playoffs. A regular-season record of 6-2 was just the beginning. The SLAM, once the underdog, was now a force to be reckoned with, entering the playoffs for the first time.
The SLAM’s journey is filled with highlights that gleam like diamonds in the rough – victories over the Columbus Comets, a team that later reached the NWFA ’07 Championship; the first-ever victory over the Oklahoma City Lightning; and a thrilling win against the undefeated Phoenix Prowlers in the first round of the playoffs.
The 2008 season saw Kelly Kozlen, a 2-time league leader in tackles, spearheading the team’s efforts. The SLAM tasted an undefeated regular season for the first time, and although they fell short in the playoffs, their undying spirit remained unscathed.
With the dissolution of the NWFA in late 2008, the SLAM found new battlefields in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA). The team, powered by a high-octane offense and an impenetrable defense, marched undefeated into the playoffs. Kelly Kozlen was named Defensive Player of the Year for the American Conference, cementing her position as one of the team’s pillars.
The championship game against the West Michigan Mayhem was a clash of titans. It was a test of strength, skill, and endurance that saw the SLAM emerge victorious with a score of 21-14. Kozlen, the heart of the defense, led the team in tackles that night and was named the Most Valuable Player of the game.
The St. Louis SLAM is not just a football team; they are a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of character, and the potential of unity. Their mission, to empower women, youth, and families within their community, is the essence of what they represent.
In the grit of the SLAM, we see the making of leaders, of teammates, and of empowered individuals who will carry forward the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and courage into their communities, families, teams, schools, and corporations.
The St. Louis SLAM embodies an unwavering spirit that surges through the heart of St. Louis, an electrifying testament to the transformative power of sports. Their journey of resilience and triumph is a living, breathing testament to the indomitable spirit of women in sports.
So, here’s to the St. Louis SLAM – a team that has not only changed the game but has also inspired a whole generation of women and youth to aspire, strive, and conquer. They have proven that no hurdle is too high, no challenge too tough, and no dream too big. Their legacy stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and triumph, echoing the resonant refrain: “We SLAM, we conquer!”
