The focus intensified when the assistant coach was left alone to run drills for a group of incoming freshmen at Affton High.

But before anyone could question her presence, Kozlen broke the team into groups and began tapping into seven years of experience as a player who followed family tradition by becoming a linebacker. Then a football coach.

“A few of the players were like, ‘Yeah, it’s kind of weird,’” said lineman Justin Nixon. “But after that day, everyone thought she was a good coach.”

Kozlen, 30, has long been immersed in football as a player for the St. Louis Slam and a coach at the middle-school level. This season she broke a barrier few females have approached, coaching linebackers and offensive linemen for the Affton freshman team.

She expected to catch some flak along the way, but thus far the closest thing to an insult came from a referee who unwittingly asked if she was a trainer.

“I was completely expecting something (negative), whether from fans, parents or the varsity guys,” she said. “But I haven’t heard anything at all. Mostly it’s been positive stuff, even from the players. The coaches have all accepted me.”

The move was unusual at a time when it remains uncommon for women to coach boys high school sports. The Missouri Football Coaches Association does not have any female members, according to president Brent Eckley, who said he was unaware of any women previously coaching football in Missouri.

But if it was a controversial move, Affton varsity coach Dan Oliver, who hired Kozlen, hasn’t heard about it.

“She has a pretty good knowledge of the game and knows how to coach and it seemed like a good fit,” he said. “The gender issue wasn’t any part of the equation. We needed a good coach to take care of the kids and teach them the right things.”

An offer to join the Affton staff came out of the blue during the summer while Kozlen was playing her seventh season for the Slam of the Women’s Football Alliance.

A position opened late, and she was recommended by an Affton assistant. Within a week she had been hired.

Kozlen also is in her third year working with a middle-school team in the Hazelwood area. She previously coached AAU boys basketball in the city.

After a short time at Affton, she said she can envision moving up the ladder if opportunities become available. Oliver said he fills openings on the varsity based on seniority within the program.

“She’s got two or three in front of her,” he said. “But if it came down to it and she was the person there and available and willing to do it, I don’t think I’d have any qualms asking her to come up.”

Kozlen grew up in a family where the men typically became linebackers at the high school or college level. After playing soccer, softball and basketball at Bishop DuBourg and Fox and soccer at Central Missouri State, she was at a park one day when tryouts were being held for the Slam.

She has been a key member of the team ever since. In August she was named MVP of the league championship game. During the playoffs, she invited Affton players and coaches to attend a game.

“When I came back they were saying, ‘Coach, that was cool. You were pretty good,’ ” she said. “So, it was nice for them to see me play so they know I can put my pads on too and run right there with them.”

When Kozlen isn’t teaching at Monroe Elementary in St. Louis, she is frequently focused on football. She races to practice at Affton after teaching and then heads to Hazelwood for practice.

Her weeks typically include coaching an Affton game on Thursday, scouting a varsity game on Friday and coaching a Hazelwood game on Saturday. She also is an assistant for the Affton girls basketball team in the winter.

Nixon and teammate Scott Schroer said there were some minor internal rumblings when Kozlen started, but they are convinced of her ability. Especially Schroer, who didn’t know what to think when he received early notice of Kozlen’s hiring from Oliver. Now he credits the new coach with his early progress this season.

“I was shocked because I’ve never had a woman coach,” Schroer said. “But she knows a lot. She’s the most knowledgeable linebacker coach I’ve ever talked to. With her, the little things add up.”

And that’s the kind of feedback that makes Kozlen think that she might have a future coaching football.

“Technically it’s a man’s sport that most females don’t play,” she said. “I would love to move up someday. But right now it’s baby steps.”

My Dad grew up playing football and used to coach high school football. He’s said, on many different occasions, had I been a boy, I would have played football. It’s tough, it’s aggressive and it’s a high impact, no nonsense adrenaline rush. Little did he know, St. Louis has their own women’s football team, the St. Louis SLAM. A member of the American League in the WFA (Women’s Football Alliance), the undefeated St. Louis SLAM won the 2009 Women’s Football Alliance National Championship on August 15 by defeating the West Michigan Mayhem at the Pan American Stadium in New Orleans.

St. Louis SLAM was founded in 2003 when they joined the National Women’s Football Association. After the NWFA disbanded the team began playing with the the WFA; their first WFA season was in 2009. The WFA boasts 36 teams that are spread across the country. From the Baltimore Burn to the Minnesota Machine to the Arizona Assassins, women’s professional tackle football is catching on. Here’s some background on the SLAM and where you can see them next:

Up until a few months ago, I had no idea the SLAM existed. According to their website, their season is played in the spring/summer with their home games played at CBC’s field. However, you still have a chance to see the St. Louis SLAM in action this fall. This Sunday, September 27, the SLAM will be playing at half time during the St. Louis Rams game. Tickets are $50 a piece and are in sections 450-404. This is a fundraiser for our National Champion team, and they might just prove to be more dynamic than our men’s tackle football team!

I read about the SLAM playing at the Rams half time and immediately went to buy tickets, only to realize I’d be out of town for the game. However, I spent some time on the SLAM’s website and read player bios, the team’s history and the “Wanna Play?” section. In last year’s regular, undefeated season the SLAM scored 48 points per game on average. Their opponents did not fair so well, with their points allowed average only a mere 8. The Kansas City Storm and Missouri Phoenix each posted no points against the St. Louis SLAM in the 2009 season.

The SLAM is a professional team with an owner, general manager, head coach and team physician. The players are women from the St. Louis metro area who all seem to have one thing in common: a love for playing the game. From nurses who love scrap booking to physical therapists who like acting, the SLAM roster is diverse. Many rookies are listed which is a sign of the rising popularity the sport, and that there are women out there who can give and take hits.

As a female who has had a love for football ever since my grandfather explained the stop and go action, I found myself thinking about try outs. As a softball player, I never shied away from a collision at the plate and the slide tackle was a favorite of mine in soccer. I was pleased to see on SLAM’s website that try outs for the 2010 SLAM will be held on October 4 from 2:30 to 5:00 with the location to be announced soon (check back with their website for location). But as I looked through pictures from the championship game last month and players bios, I thought twice about trying out. This is not powder puff, juniors verses seniors football. Anyone who thinks women are not capable of the stiff arm should watch this video and at 1:42 watch a SLAM running back bury a would be tackler. I had previously thought if I were to play, I’d fancy myself a linebacker as I am relatively swift and wouldn’t have to deal with being hit, as I’d be the player to deliver them. However, if I have to try out against the players of the SLAM, I think I’d be in trouble. I’ll do my best to be at the 2010 home opener, however I’ll be in the stands! Go SLAM!

(Photos courtesy of St. Louis SLAM)

Annie is the Sports and Fitness Editor for Girls Guide. She writes about all kinds of sports related topics and then really goes out and plays sports almost every evening. You can contact Annie by emailing her at annie [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and we are still trying to talk her into getting a Twitter account – no success yet.

The web site is now available if you would like to purchase your Rams tickets online for a fundraiser for the St. Louis SLAM.

http://www.stlouisrams.com/stlslam/

Angie Henson of Highland now knows what it feels like to be a part of a team that reaches the pinnacle in their respective sport. Henson helped the St. Louis Slam claim their first ever National Championship of the Women�s Football Alliance (WFA) with a 21-14 victory against the West Michigan Mayhem on Aug. 15 at Pan American Stadium, home of the New Orleans Saints.

In her third season, Henson, 32, was the starting center all season and helped the St. Louis Slam, a women�s professional American football team, cap off an undefeated 10-0 season for the first time in team history in their seventh year of existence.

�It�s amazing to win the championship, and it�s pretty phenomenal that we finished the season 10-0,� said Henson, who is a medical office practice coordinator at St. Joseph�s Hospital in Highland. �We have been practicing since January and we did a lot of conditioning sprints.
Slam win it all!
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS � From left, St. Louis Slam center Angie Henson of Highland, Slam head coach Quincy Davis and nose tackle Myrt Davis celebrate with the championship trophy after the St. Louis Slam defeated the West Michigan Mayhem 21-14 on Aug. 15 in New Orleans. - News Leader

�It�s been a long time coming. We put in a lot of hours and a lot of time away from our families, and all of the hard work paid off as we are the champions and had a perfect season.�

With Henson and her comrades on the offensive line bulldozing over opposing defenses, the Slam rolled to the No. 1 offense in the entire league.

In their seven regular-season games, the Slam, with Henson anchoring the middle of the line, rung up points like a video game, totaling 361 points for ridiculous average of 51.6 points per game. St. Louis� top-three performances were a 77-0 drubbing of the Kansas City Storm in the season opener, an 88-0 waxing of the Storm in their fourth game and a 51-0 win over the Missouri Phoenix in their sixth game.

The Slam�s other regular-season wins were 28-0 over the Minnesota Machine in game two, 35-7 over the Iowa Thunder in game four, 42-7 over the Machine in game five and 40-10 over the Iowa Thunder in their regular-season finale.

In their two playoff games leading up to the title game, St. Louis dispatched of the Las Vegas Showgirlz 30-12 before edging the Jacksonville Dixie Blues 40-32 in the semifinal.

Through the seven-game regular season, the Slam rolled up 2,624 yard in total offense, which is an eye-popping 374.9 yards per game. Rushing accounted for 1,818 of the yards, or a 259.7-yard average a game.

�We take a lot of pride in being able to run and pass the ball,� Henson said. �We had the top-rated offense in the entire league and our offense worked very hard to achieve that. We take pride in making sure (quarterback Liz Lacy) doesn�t get taken down.�

With the protection of Henson and her cohorts up front, Lacy was able to toss 19 touchdown passes, compared to only six interceptions for the season.

Although the Slam�s running game was held in check to only 75 yards on 25 carries in the championship game by the Mayhem, Henson and her band of blockers were able to give Lacy enough time to throw for a season-high 166 yards.

Henson said as the season wore on she and her teammates became more like a family than a team.

�We talked all season about how the players on this team are my sisters and none of us want to let each other down,� she said.

Henson and the Slam will be recognized for their championship feat during halftime of the St. Louis Rams home game against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on Sept. 27. The Slam players will be announced, hold a scrimmage and sign some autographs.

In honor of being crowned the champions, all members of the Slam will receive custom-made championship rings, courtesy of the WFA.

An additional bonus is that the WFA allows the championship team to design 50 custom-made jerseys to be worn the following season.

�It�s kind of bittersweet winning the championship because I have thought about retiring and I may have played my last game,� Henson said. �It is hard on your body, especially at 32 years old. If I was 22 years old, there would be no doubt, I would come back.

�But then again, maybe I should come back for one more year to have our custom-made jerseys made and to defend our title.�

Angie�s son Devon, 12, is her biggest fan and wants her return to the field again next year.

�He was one of the loudest fans in the stands,� she said. �He�s my No. 1 fan and he came to all of my games this year. He�s very proud of his mom and he�s trying to get me to play again next year.�

And not only did the Slam compete for the title — they won it! The all-female team (which plays its home games at CBC High School) wrapped up its perfect 10-0 season Saturday in New Orleans with a 21-14 victory over the West Michigan Mayhem.

Read the entire account of the game (per the Slam PR department) after the jump, and then ponder this: How long will St. Louis have to wait for another local football team that rhymes with Slam to win it all?

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE!

ST. LOUIS SLAM WIN CHAMPIONSHIP

The St. Louis SLAM women’s full contact football team are now the champions of the Women’s Football Alliance for the first time in team history after a 21-14 victory over the West Michigan Mayhem last Saturday. The undefeated SLAM traveled to Pan Am Stadium in New Orleans, LA, for a championship game showdown with the undefeated Mayhem, and they returned home to St. Louis with the championship trophy on board. The SLAM finished a perfect 8-0 in the 2009 regular season and made their run to the championship with wins over Las Vegas, Jacksonville, and finally West Michigan. The title game was a battle of two dominating defenses, with the SLAM defense forcing key turnovers and scoring the winning TD on a forced fumble.

The Mayhem jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and held a 7-0 lead through halftime. The SLAM got back in the game after halftime, scoring on a run by tailback, Danielle Cullen (15 carries, 37 yards, 2 TDs) early in the half. The Mayhem responded with another TD to take back the lead at 14-6. The SLAM defense then took over the game and would not allow the Mayhem another score on the night. After Cullen registered her second TD of the game, tailback Toya “Turtle” Brown ran for the two-point conversion on a fake reverse play. With the game tied 14-14 in the fourth quarter, linebacker Rachael Hinkle came up with the highlight play of the night, ripping the ball out of the hands of the Mayhem tailback and taking it 40 yards in the opposite direction for the SLAM’s winning touchdown. The SLAM ran down the clock and made one last defensive stand, ending the Mayhem’s hope for the title.

SLAM veteran middle linebacker, Kelly Kozlen, was named MVP of the game after an outstanding performance that included a team-leading 14 tackles. Linebackers, Toya Brown (11 tackles) and Tiara Pettis (9 tackles), as well as defensive lineman, Myrt Davis (3 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 sack) also stepped up big and rattled the normally high-scoring Mayhem offense. Despite a slow night for the SLAM offense, veteran wide receiver, Gail Graff (4 receptions, 36 yards), fullback, Chris “The Bus” Hampton (4 receptions, 75 yards), and QB Liz Lacy (166 yards passing) had some big gains in the passing game.

The SLAM now enters the offseason as the 2009 Women’s Football Alliance Champions. They will begin offseason training and tryouts for new players in the coming months.

The St. Louis SLAM women’s full contact football team are now the champions of the Women’s Football Alliance for the first time in team history after a 21-14 victory over the West Michigan Mayhem last Saturday.  The undefeated SLAM traveled to Pan Am Stadium in New Orleans, LA, for a championship game showdown with the undefeated Mayhem, and they returned home to St. Louis with the championship trophy on board.  The SLAM finished a perfect 8-0 in the 2009 regular season and made their run to the championship with wins over Las Vegas, Jacksonville, and finally West Michigan.  The title game was a battle of two dominating defenses, with the SLAM defense forcing key turnovers and scoring the winning TD on a forced fumble.

The Mayhem jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and held a 7-0 lead through halftime.  The SLAM got back in the game after halftime, scoring on a run by tailback, Danielle Cullen (15 carries, 37 yards, 2 TDs) early in the half.  The Mayhem responded with another TD to take back the lead at 14-6.  The SLAM defense then took over the game and would not allow the Mayhem another score on the night.  After Cullen registered her second TD of the game, tailback Toya “Turtle” Brown ran for the two-point conversion on a fake reverse play.  With the game tied 14-14 in the fourth quarter, linebacker Rachael Hinkle came up with the highlight play of the night, ripping the ball out of the hands of the Mayhem tailback and taking it 40 yards in the opposite direction for the SLAM’s winning touchdown.  The SLAM ran down the clock and made one last defensive stand, ending the Mayhem’s hope for the title.

SLAM veteran middle linebacker, Kelly Kozlen, was named MVP of the game after an outstanding performance that included a team-leading 14 tackles. Linebackers, Toya Brown (11 tackles) and Tiara Pettis (9 tackles), as well as defensive lineman, Myrt Davis (3 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 sack) also stepped up big and rattled the normally high-scoring Mayhem offense.  Despite a slow night for the SLAM offense,  veteran wide receiver, Gail Graff (4 receptions, 36 yards), fullback, Chris “The Bus” Hampton (4 receptions, 75 yards), and QB Liz Lacy (166 yards passing) had some big gains in the passing game.

The SLAM now enter the offseason as the 2009 Women’s Football Alliance Champions. They will begin offseason training and tryouts for new players in the coming months.  For more information on the St. Louis SLAM, please visit the website at www.stlslam.com or contact the SLAM at slamfootball@hotmail.com.

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West Michigan Mayhem lose grip on title game
by By John Giambelluca | Special to the Gazette
Saturday August 15, 2009, 11:45 PM
Matthew Hinton / Special to the GazetteWest Michigan Mayhem running back Catherine Converse dives for more yardage but comes up short in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Slam.

NEW ORLEANS — St. Louis took advantage of West Michigan’s mistakes to claim the National Championship of the Women’s Football Alliance with a 21-14 victory against the Mayhem on Saturday night at Pan American Stadium.

“I thought we had control the entire game,” Mayhem quarterback Jody Markwart said. “Mistakes hurt us. We did not play well in the first half. We had too many missed assignments.”

The Slam twice overcame deficits by converting turnovers into points. St. Louis trailed 7-0 at halftime. The Slam took advantage of a bad snap on a punting situation in the third quarter to get back into the football game.

Markwart, also the Mayhem’s punter, could not field the low snap from Tara Luedde, giving St. Louis possession at the Mayhem 21-yard line.

The Slam scored in three plays with Danielle Cullen scoring on a 7-yard run. However, Katie Ode’s extra point attempt was under the crossbar.

West Michigan responded on the ensuing possession by driving 46 yards in eight plays. Markwart connected with Liz Sowers on a 13-yard scoring strike to extend the Mayhem lead to 13-6.
Matthew Hinton / Special to the GazetteWest Michigan Mayhem offensive lineman Alicia Gac holds back tears as the Mayhem are awarded the runner-up trophy after losing 21-14 to the St. Louis Slam Saturday.

Cullen scored her second touchdown of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter to trim the St. Louis deficit to 14-12. Toya Brown tied the game at 14 when she ran in the two-point conversion.

Disaster struck West Michigan again midway through the fourth quarter when Cathrine Converse was stripped of the football by Slam defenders. Rachel Hinkle caught the fumble in midair and streaked 40 yards for a touchdown to give St. Louis a 20-14 lead.

The Mayhem had one last chance with one minute remaining when they forced the Slam to punt. West Michigan drove to the St. Louis 38-yard line with 18 seconds remaining, but Markwart’s desperation pass was intercepted by Liz Lacy at the Slam’s 10-yard line.

“You can’t win championships by shooting yourself in the foot by making mistakes,” West Michigan coach Matt Koch said. “The bad snap in the third quarter gave St. Louis hope and a momentum swing. In the second quarter we had an opportunity to extend our lead but we were not able to execute on a fourth-and-one.”

The Mayhem wasted no time in taking control.

The Mayhem drove 50 yards in four plays to take a 6-0 lead 2:45 into the football game. Danielle Daughtry culminated the drive by catching a 29-yard touchdown pass on fourth down from Markwart.

West Michigan had a chance to increase its lead early in the second quarter. The Mayhem drove from their 13-yard line down to the Slam’s 25-yard line.
However, Markwart was sacked by Tayona Smith on a fourth-and-one to foil the opportunity.

The Slam drove to the West Michigan 37-yard line in the final minute of the first half. But, three delay-of-game penalties negated any opportunity to get closer.

West Michigan’s defense dominated the St. Louis offense by forcing the Slam to punt on four of their five first half possessions.

The Slam used six different running backs in an attempt to establish a running game. St. Louis finished with 75 yards rushing on 25 rushing attempts. The Mayhem finished with 100 yards rushing.

Markwart completed 14 of 22 yards for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

We won. Yeah dawg.

21-14 against West Michigan.

August 15, 2009

Pan Am Stadium

Tickets sold at the Gate ($15 for both games, $10 for 1 game)

See Travel Link for hotel accomodations and take advantage of WFA Choice Hotels Discount

Zachary Taylor Drive
New Orleans, La 70124

4pm International Bowl

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