Texas Elite Spartans Win 5th WNFC IX Cup Title at The Star in Frisco, Cementing Women’s Pro Football Dynasty

FRISCO, TEXAS — In front of a roaring hometown crowd and a national television audience on ESPN2, the Texas Elite Spartans delivered a championship performance for the ages, defeating the Washington Prodigy 21–19 to win their record-setting fifth WNFC IX Cup title at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

The win marks another milestone in what is now an undeniable women’s football dynasty in Texas, led by one of the most successful coaches in football history, Odessa “Coach O” Jenkins.

Dallas’ Queens of THE SPRING: A Season Built on Adversity

This wasn’t just a title, it was a triumph over challenge. The 2025 Texas Elite Spartans overcame one of the most injury-riddled seasons in franchise history, yet still rose to glory on the biggest stage.

• Starting linemen Umeki Webb and Amanda Morgan were sidelined for most of the regular season with significant injuries. Both made emotional returns for the IX Cup and played critical roles in protecting QB Michelle Angel and opening lanes for the run game.

• Mercedes Tyler, a defensive cornerstone, battled through multiple injuries throughout the year, digging deep to anchor the Spartans' defense in the final moments of the championship game.

• Star running back Kelli Smith went down during training camp and underwent season-ending surgery, depleting the Spartans’ backfield before the first snap.

• That left the rushing load on the shoulders of Destanie Yarbrough, who not only carried the offense but earned IX Cup Game MVP honors after racking up 130 bruising yards and a touchdown. She was joined in the backfield by Jazmine Rambo, who suffered a significant injury in the Western Conference Final but fought through pain to take critical snaps in the championship.

• Janice Mitchell, a linebacker by trade, stepped into the RB room mid-season to support the team and delivered as a true two-way warrior.

• Wide receiver Maria Jackson, who missed two games due to a major shoulder injury, returned to full strength in the IX Cup and made one of the plays of the game, a 25-yard diving catch to set up a touchdown.

• Amanda Heilman, another key offensive weapon, missed the entire regular season due to a broken finger and knee strain. She returned just in time to contribute in the championship effort.

Through every setback, the Spartans didn’t just survive—they adapted, evolved, and ultimately dominated.

A Historic Win for Dallas-Area Women’s Sports

With thousands of fans in attendance at The Star, this championship was a statement from Dallas women’s football to the entire sports world. The WNFC Championship Weekend showcased elite competition, star power, and a growing movement fueled by investment, innovation, and undeniable talent.

“Texas football just hits different,” said Coach Jenkins. “And women’s football is no exception.”

Michelle Angel Shines in QB1 Debut

Taking the reins as starting quarterback for the first time in a title game, Michelle Angel stepped into the spotlight and delivered. The veteran finished 9-of-19 for 141 yards and a touchdown, leading the Spartans to an early lead and managing the offense with poise under pressure.

With 20 rookies on the roster this season, Angel’s leadership was a crucial factor in bringing another championship trophy back to Texas.

Jewelle Grimsley: The Defensive Star of the Day

While the stat sheet told one story, the eye test told another. Jewelle Grimsley was the most dominant player on the field, roaming from sideline to sideline, making touchdown-saving tackles, and shutting down Washington’s high-powered offense. Whether lined up at safety or corner, Grimsley was everywhere, and her play may go down as one of the greatest individual defensive performances in IX Cup history.

Coach O Hits 91 Wins, Capping 10 Legendary Seasons

Odessa Jenkins, founder of the WNFC and head coach of the Spartans, improved her jaw-dropping career record to 91–5 with this victory. Now in her 10th season coaching Texas Elite, Jenkins has built a culture of excellence that continues to raise the bar not just for women’s football in Texas, but for professional sports nationwide.

“This one’s special,” Jenkins said. “We did it with heart, with grit, and with a whole new generation of Spartans. Dynasty doesn’t happen by accident, it’s earned.”

Halftime Highlight: Bow Wow Reps Spartans on Stage

The energy wasn’t limited to the field. During the nationally televised Glenhouse Halftime Show, hip-hop icon Bow Wow shocked fans when he put on a Texas Elite Spartans jersey on stage, showing love to the reigning champs. DJ Hollyhood Bay Bay, a Dallas favorite, kept the crowd hyped all night, helping turn the IX Cup into a full-scale entertainment event.

Texas Football, Powered by Purpose

The 2025 WNFC IX Cup Championship was backed by a strong lineup of brand sponsors committed to advancing women’s sports, including:

• Adidas – Official on-field apparel sponsor

• Dove – Title partner of the Got Her Back Body Confident Clinics

• Riddell Sports – Official helmet partner of the WNFC

• Glenhouse – Sponsor of the halftime and pregame experience

• William Grant & Sons – Official spirits partner of Championship Weekend

These brands, alongside Hachette Book Group, DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, New Era Cap, and GLD, played a major role in the event’s success, many airing national commercials during the ESPN2 broadcast. Most notably, the WNFC’s "Football Looks Like THIS" campaign made its national TV debut, showcasing Texas-based athletes and redefining what professional football can be.

Final Score: Texas Elite Spartans 21, Washington Prodigy 19

Key Stats:

• Michelle Angel: 141 yards, 1 TD

• Destanie Yarbrough: 130 yards rushing, 1 TD

• Summer McNeal: 73-yard receiving touchdown

• Jewelle Grimsley: Defensive MVP-level performance

• Coach O: 91–5 career record

Texas Pride. National Power.

The Texas Elite Spartans, proudly representing Dallas-Fort Worth, have officially solidified their place as the most decorated franchise in WNFC history. Their fifth national title in six years is not just a victory, it’s a statement of what’s possible when investment, leadership, and elite talent converge in the heart of Texas.

Congratulations to your 2025 WNFC IX Cup Champions, the Texas Elite Spartans.